UTICA, N.Y. – Two Utica residents are facing multiple drug-related charges following a police raid on Elizabeth Street that uncovered cocaine, fentanyl pills, and drug paraphernalia, authorities said.
On December 17, investigators from the Utica Police Department Special Investigations Unit, with assistance from the Oneida County Narcotics Unit and UPD Patrol, executed a search warrant at 760 Elizabeth Street as part of an investigation into narcotics distribution in the area.
Jessica Mercer, 48, and Deonte Harris, 31, were arrested at the scene and charged with multiple counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, including third-degree charges for possession with intent to sell and possession of a controlled substance by weight. Both were also charged with criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree.
Police seized 30.2 grams of cocaine, an undisclosed number of fentanyl pills, digital scales, and cash during the raid.
Authorities have intensified efforts to curb the distribution of illegal drugs in the community, citing concerns over the growing presence of fentanyl in narcotics-related investigations.