BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced on Thursday that four men from Niagara Falls, New York, have been arrested and charged in connection with a drug trafficking ring operating in the area. The charges were filed in separate criminal complaints against Paul Fields, 39, Edward Rollie, 49, Rashawn Salmon, 39, and Jermaine McQueen, 46.
Fields and Rollie face charges of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. These charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, with the potential for life imprisonment, and a fine of up to $5,000,000.
Salmon and McQueen are charged with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Additionally, McQueen faces a charge for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. These charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, with the potential for life imprisonment, and a fine of up to $10,000,000.
The arrests follow a series of search warrants executed on August 28, 2024, at multiple residences connected to the defendants. Law enforcement officials recovered 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl, over a kilogram of cocaine, three firearms, and $25,000 in U.S. currency during the searches.
The investigation is part of an operation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), a multi-agency initiative aimed at identifying, disrupting, and dismantling high-level criminal organizations that pose significant threats to the United States. More information about the OCDETF program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Niagara Falls Police Department, Niagara County Sheriff’s Department, North Tonawanda Police Department, New York State Police, and Erie County Sheriff’s Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch is prosecuting the case.