A federal grand jury has indicted seven individuals for their involvement in a narcotics conspiracy, as announced by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo in Buffalo, New York. The indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy to possess and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and fentanyl.
The individuals named in the indictment are Winnie Taru Woods, 50, of Buffalo; Sharron McCullough, 34, of Brooklyn, NY; Marlon Holt, Jr., 51, of Buffalo; Norman Patillo, 44, of Houston, Texas; Gary Sudesh Gosine, Sr., 50, a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago; Ian Dyer, 25, of Austin, Texas; and Shannell Gosine, 27, of Baytown, Texas.
Alongside the conspiracy charges, Woods, McCullough, and Holt face additional charges of possession with intent to distribute large quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine. The allegations could carry severe penalties, including a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison and a fine of up to $10 million.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, handling the case, stated that the conspiracy operated between April 2023 and February 2025, with drugs sourced from Mexican cartels for distribution in Buffalo, New York City, and other locations. Key figure Gary Sudesh Gosine, Sr. is accused of being a primary supplier based in Mexico, while other defendants transported narcotics and currency across various U.S. states.
On May 7, 2024, Holt was arrested by the Ontario County Sheriff's Office after nine kilograms of cocaine and 3.5 kilograms of methamphetamine were reportedly found in his vehicle.
The defendants have been arraigned, with Woods, McCullough, Gosine, Sr., and Patillo detained, while Holt, Dyer, and Shannell Gosine were released on conditions. U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo remarked, “This case falls within the parameters of Operation Take Back America,” emphasizing efforts to dismantle cartel networks and protect communities.
Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan highlighted, “As alleged, the defendants conspired with Mexican cartels to traffic deadly narcotics into the U.S.” She emphasized the collaborative law enforcement efforts to counteract such threats.
The investigation, as part of Operation Take Back America, received contributions from Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and various other law enforcement bodies. This nationwide initiative aims to use the Department of Justice's resources to combat cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
Charges against the defendants are allegations, and they remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty.