New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced the convictions of 31 individuals involved in two significant drug trafficking networks in Central New York and the North Country. These convictions are the result of an investigation led by the Office of the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) and the Syracuse Police Department.
The investigation led to the seizure of over 150,000 fentanyl and heroin packets valued at over $500,000, as well as nearly a pound of methamphetamine and a quarter kilogram of cocaine. All 31 defendants pleaded guilty for their involvement in the drug rings operating across Onondaga, Oswego, Cortland, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence counties. Collectively, they forfeited over $25,000 and two vehicles used in their operations.
Attorney General Letitia James commented, "This investigation successfully took down two drug trafficking rings that put communities throughout New York at risk by distributing deadly amounts of fentanyl. My office works every day to protect New Yorkers from opioids, and that includes bringing fentanyl traffickers to justice."
The investigation employed physical surveillance, electronic monitoring, and multiple search warrants targeting drug dealers in Onondaga and Oswego counties and beyond. In November 2023, Attorney General James announced 192 charges filed against the individuals related to drug and weapons offenses.
The first indictment involved the "Castro Group," led by Bayron Castro, known as "Hov," who were charged with 150 counts related to selling narcotics across Onondaga, Oswego, St. Lawrence, Jefferson, and Cortland Counties. Key figures like Castro and his supplier, Luis Miguel Joaquin, have already faced sentencing.
The second indictment highlighted activities of the "Pettiford Group," under Edward Pettiford, a/k/a "Buster," resulted in charges against eight people linked to drug sales and other activities. Notably, Henry Townsend, related to this group, faced additional charges for a shooting incident.
Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile remarked, "Law enforcement is never stronger than when we work together, nor is it more feared by those who decide to peddle death on our streets through narcotics like fentanyl and heroin."
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James added, "These convictions speak volumes to the tremendous interagency coordination and cooperation necessary to get illegal drugs off our streets."
This investigation forms part of the Attorney General’s Suburban and Upstate Response to the Growing Epidemic (SURGE) Initiative, aiming to combat New York's growing opioid trafficking networks by collaborating with state and local enforcement agencies.
Key figures in the investigation included Syracuse Police Detective Travis Holmes and OAG OCTF Supervising Detective Tim MacConaghy, along with legal oversight by OAG Assistant Deputy Attorney General Geoffrey Ciereck. The collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies contributed significantly to the success of this operation.