United States Drug Enforcement Administration

SARATOGA, NEW YORK – Operation Fast Track has led to the arrest of 83 defendants and the seizure of more than 2,100 counterfeit pills, some of which are suspected to be laced with fentanyl, over two kilograms of fentanyl and heroin, over a kilogram of cocaine, 3.5 pounds of psychedelic mushrooms, over 550 pounds of marijuana, diverted Suboxone, and removed eight firearms. In addition, law enforcement officers recovered more than 150 Bromazolam pills, a highly potent, highly addictive, and extremely dangerous designer benzodiazepine commonly sold as counterfeit Xanax pills.  

Drug Enforcement Administration New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam, First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby, Special Agent in Charge Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli, Homeland Security Investigations Buffalo Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Athony Patrone Investigations New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James, Saratoga County Sheriff's Office Sheriff Jeffrey Brown, Washington County Sheriff's Office Sheriff Jeffrey J. Murphy, Saratoga Springs Police Department Chief Tyler McIntosh made the announcement.

Among the defendant’s charged, 18 are being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, while the remaining 65 defendants’ cases are being handled by the District Attorney’s Offices in Washington, Warren, and Saratoga County.  The charges range from drug trafficking and firearms offenses to child pornography and immigration offenses

The charging instruments in any jurisdiction contain merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

“This operation demonstrates the power of partnership and our unwavering commitment to identifying, targeting, and dismantling those individuals and drug trafficking organizations that profit from poisoning our communities" stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. The arrests of 83 individuals, removal of eight firearms, and the seizure of two kilos of fentanyl and heroin, along with thousands of counterfeit pills, some of which contained fentanyl and bromazolam, in addition to other dangerous narcotics, represent far more than enforcement statistics. They represent DEA’s commitment to make our communities safer. The growing presence of counterfeit pills containing substances like bromazolam, often mixed with fentanyl, continue to pose an extraordinary threat to public safety, potentially turning a single pill into a fatal dose. Every pill removed from our streets is one less opportunity for tragedy. Every life matters, and the DEA remains steadfast in our mission to save lives and protect the America people.”

“Since being appointed to lead this office, I have worked tirelessly to drive collaboration between Federal, State and Local law enforcement.  The results announced today speak for themselves 83 criminals off our streets, countless deadly narcotics off our streets, all because our law enforcement partners worked together, shared intelligence and collaborated on cases,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone. “That is the kind of action that makes our communities safer.  Under the leadership of President Trump and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, my office is leveraging the resources of the federal government to step up and protect our communities when State laws fail to do so. Earlier this year, I led efforts to gather our law enforcement leaders in the region to create Operation Fast Track. With one goal in mind, to clean up our beautiful communities ahead of the busy summer season. Thanks to the countless leaders and law enforcement officers across the region who were involved in this operation, we now can enjoy all the beauty this region has to offer for locals and tourists alike, without the worry of violent criminals and deadly narcotics lurking in the shadows."

“The coordination between the agencies involved was incredibly powerful and the results truly speak for themselves. 83 criminals are off the streets and can no longer harm our communities through their illicit activities and dangerous behavior. Operation Fast Track may be over, but the partnerships remain and our dedication to ensuring the safety of our communities together is unwavering.” Said FBI Albany Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “As a result of the commitment among law enforcement partners, a major drug and weapon operation has ceased. Strong partnerships are key when it comes to keeping dangerous individuals out of our communities and stopping the heinous crimes that they perpetuate. These arrests are yet another example of how dedicated police work and strong collaboration among law enforcement officials are succeeding in keeping New York State safe.”

Saratoga County Sheriff Jeff Brown said, “Operation Fast Track is a clear example of the dedication and professionalism demonstrated every day by the men and women of the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, working alongside our law enforcement partners. The safety of our great county remains my top priority. We will continue to collaborate with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure that the residents and visitors of Saratoga County are protected.”

The individuals listed below have been charged federally. The specific charges, along with additional case information, are contained in the publicly available court filings. The identities of two defendants are being withheld at this time due to ongoing investigations.

The cases are being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration New York Enforcement Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, New York State Police, Saratoga County Sheriff's Office, Washington County Sheriff's Office, Warren County Sheriff’s Office and the Saratoga Springs Police Department.