fentanyl - Shore News Network

Two South River men charged in drug death of Barnegat woman after fentanyl overdose

Breaking Local News ReportApril 23, 20250

BARNEGAT, N.J. — Two men from South River have been charged with Strict Liability Drug Induced Death following the fatal overdose of a 34-year-old woman in Barnegat Township in February, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced Tuesday. Jeffrey Zachary, 56, and Ronald Zackery, 59, were taken into custody without incident on Wednesday, following an investigation linking them to the heroin/fentanyl and cocaine that caused the woman’s death on February 26, 2025. Both are now being held in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing. Key Points: Fatal overdose leads to narcotics trafficking probe Officers from the Barnegat Township

Teen busted with loaded gun, fentanyl pills after drone-led traffic stop in Montgomery County

Local News ReportApril 12, 20250

SILVER SPRING, Md. — An 18-year-old is facing multiple gun and drug charges after police in Montgomery County say a drone helped lead to his arrest during a traffic stop involving a suspicious vehicle. Key Points Drone spots vehicle, officers observe drug transaction On April 10, Montgomery County Police responded to a call about a suspicious vehicle in the 500 block of Easley Street. MCPD’s drone, Raven 3, arrived first and located the vehicle unoccupied. When officers arrived, they saw a handgun in plain view on the vehicle’s floor. While monitoring the area, officers watched two individuals return to the

Buffalo man admits to fentanyl and crack cocaine conspiracy in federal court

Breaking Local News ReportApril 6, 20250

BUFFALO, N.Y. — A Buffalo man pleaded guilty Thursday to federal narcotics conspiracy charges for selling fentanyl and crack cocaine alongside his brother during a two-month operation in 2023. Key Points Arquan Butler, also known as “Easy,” entered the plea before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years, along with a possible $5 million fine. Federal prosecutors say Butler conspired with his brother, Jahaun Butler, between May 9 and July 5, 2023, to distribute fentanyl and crack cocaine in the Buffalo area. The

Pennsylvania man charged in fentanyl death of 15-year-old girl he allegedly extorted

Breaking Local News ReportApril 1, 20250

HARRISBURG, PA — A 27-year-old Allegheny County man has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of a 15-year-old Oakdale girl who fatally overdosed on fentanyl he allegedly supplied in exchange for sexual conduct. Attorney General Dave Sunday announced Tuesday that Shakeirs Foster was taken into custody at his place of employment following a joint investigation by the Office of Attorney General, North Fayette Police Department, and the 51st Statewide Investigating Grand Jury. Key Points: According to investigators, Foster provided the girl with fentanyl prior to her death on May 14, 2024. The investigation also revealed that Foster

Father and Son Arrested for Trafficking Fentanyl and Firearms

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 30, 20250

Father and Son Arrested for Trafficking Fentanyl and Firearms

**LOS ANGELES, CA** – A father and son, Antonio Espinoza Zarate and Francisco Javier Espinoza Galindo, were taken into custody on Monday for trafficking fentanyl and illegal firearms. The arrests were the result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) working with various federal and state law enforcement agencies in Southern California.

Antonio Espinoza, also charged with illegal reentry, is accused of multiple illegal arms and drug sales. In July 2023, he allegedly sold firearms and over 500 grams of fentanyl pills. In August 2023, he is said to have sold an AR-style rifle and approximately one kilogram of fentanyl pills, supplied by Francisco Espinoza.

Espinoza, originally from Mexico, was previously deported multiple times and reentered the U.S. illegally. If convicted, both father and son face a maximum life sentence and a minimum of 10 years in federal prison.

The ICE HSI-led El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, including the ATF and Los Angeles Police Department, played significant roles in the operation. The public is encouraged to report suspected trafficking activities to

Poughkeepsie man arrested for selling cocaine and fentanyl following yearlong drug probe

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 29, 20250

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — A resident of High View Estates in the Town of Poughkeepsie was arrested Wednesday after a yearlong investigation linked him to the sale of cocaine and fentanyl, authorities said. Luke M. Grady, 41, was taken into custody without incident when the Dutchess County Drug Task Force and the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Service Unit executed a search warrant at his residence at 26 Cooper Road. Grady was charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. Key Points: Investigators said the arrest followed numerous complaints from residents regarding drug

Ocean County Man Was High on Meth, Fentanyl When He Crashed His Car, Killing Mother of Two

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 27, 20250

TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A Beachwood man is facing vehicular homicide charges after toxicology results revealed he was impaired by drugs during a fatal crash that killed a passenger earlier this year, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced Wednesday. Anthony Krempel, 37, was charged on March 25 in connection with the January 20 crash that killed 34-year-old Emanuela Fuchs, also of Beachwood. Authorities say Krempel was driving a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox at a high rate of speed on Grand Central Parkway in Berkeley Township when he lost control and struck a tree. Key Points Fuchs was transported to Jersey

Hempstead man indicted on fentanyl distribution, dogfighting, and weapons charges

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 16, 20250

MINEOLA, NY – A Hempstead man has been indicted on drug trafficking, weapons possession, and animal fighting charges after authorities seized fentanyl-laced pills, a loaded handgun, and seven dogs allegedly used for dogfighting, Nassau County prosecutors announced. Kevin Brown, 39, was arraigned on March 12 before Judge Caryn Fink on a 34-count indictment that includes charges of criminal possession and sale of controlled substances, criminal possession of a weapon, conspiracy, and multiple felony counts related to animal fighting. Prosecutors allege Brown was in possession of more than 1,000 fentanyl-laced pills, an illegal firearm, and dogfighting equipment when law enforcement executed

Two Teenagers Died from Deadly Fentanyl Provided by Elias Santiago Now Facing 15 Years in Prison

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 14, 20250

TRENTON, N.J. — An Atlantic County man was sentenced to 15 years in state prison for providing fentanyl-laced pills that led to the fatal overdoses of two teenagers, New Jersey authorities announced Thursday. Elias Santiago, 27, of Egg Harbor Township, was sentenced on March 10 by Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey J. Waldman. He pleaded guilty in December to two counts of strict liability drug-induced death. Santiago must serve 85% of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole under the No Early Release Act. “The defendant sold deadly, illegal drugs disguised as Percocet, leading directly to the overdose deaths

ICE Investigation in New Jersey Leads to Conviction of Two Major Fentanyl Pill Makers

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 12, 20250

NEWARK, N.J.— A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) investigation led to the sentencing of two men for their roles in running a fentanyl drug mill that supplied bulk quantities of the lethal opioid to northern New Jersey. Emmanuel F. Almonte Mejia, 40, of Philadelphia, and Hector Luiz De La Cruz Nunez, 32, each received 60-month prison sentences from the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Both men, along with co-conspirator Loanny F. Duran Hiciano, 37, had previously pleaded guilty to their involvement in the operation. Authorities uncovered the drug mill in February 2022, when investigators learned

Three charged in Ocean County fentanyl drug dealing investigation

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 11, 20250

WARETOWN, N.J. — Three Ocean County residents have been charged with narcotics offenses following a month-long investigation into drug distribution, authorities said. Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that detectives identified a residence on Dock Avenue in Waretown as a distribution site for cocaine and fentanyl-laced alprazolam pills. Joelene Leck, 31, was accused of using the home for storage and sales. On Feb. 25, investigators stopped a black Ford Explorer leaving the residence and arrested the driver, Thomas Rotella, 47, of Bayville, and passenger Danny Skinner, 32, of Seaside Heights. Skinner was found with cocaine and 49 fentanyl-laced alprazolam

Lawmaker Urges Fentanyl Dangers Instruction in New Jersey Public Schools

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 10, 20250

TRENTON, N.J. – State Senator Holly Schepisi has called on Senate Education Committee Chairman Vin Gopal to bring “Max’s Law” (S-2818) to a vote, aiming to mandate school instruction on the dangers of fentanyl and xylazine. “This legislation is an important step in the fight against the epidemic of fentanyl poisoning in New Jersey,” said Schepisi (R-39). “Far too many young Americans, like Max, have had their lives cut short due to fentanyl poisoning.” Max’s Law is named in honor of Max Lenowitz, a Woodcliff Lake resident who died from fentanyl poisoning. The bill would require schools to include fentanyl

Ansonia Man Faces Fentanyl Trafficking Charges

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 8, 20250

Ansonia Man Faces Fentanyl Trafficking Charges

**Stamford, CT** – Daqwon Graham, a 30-year-old resident of Ansonia, has been apprehended in Stamford following a federal complaint accusing him of fentanyl trafficking offenses. The arrest was announced by Marc H. Silverman, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Stephen P. Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA for New England, on Thursday.

Authorities allege that Graham was identified as a major distributor of fentanyl in Fairfield County by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport HIDTA Task Force and the Stamford Police Department. His activities are linked to an overdose death in Branford in March 2023 and another in Shelton in October 2024. Controlled purchases of fentanyl were reportedly made from Graham in January and February 2025.

Graham was arrested on High Ridge Road in Stamford on Wednesday, allegedly in possession of approximately 400 grams of fentanyl. He subsequently appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport, where he was ordered to remain detained.

The charges against Graham include possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, carrying

Kern County drug bust leads to three arrests, seizure of fentanyl, heroin, and firearms

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 5, 20250

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A lengthy narcotics investigation by the Kern County Sheriff’s Office and the Kern County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (KC-HIDTA) resulted in the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and other drugs, authorities announced Monday. On March 3, search warrants were executed at two Bakersfield residences—an apartment in the 3000 block of O Street and a home in the 300 block of 8th Street. Investigators seized over 44,000 fentanyl-laced M-30 pills, a pound of black tar heroin, cocaine, processed marijuana, and several hundred live marijuana plants. A residential

Dutchess County Drug Task Force Nabs Fentanyl Dealer in Poughkeepsie

Breaking Local News ReportFebruary 28, 20250

Dutchess County Drug Task Force Nabs Fentanyl Dealer in Poughkeepsie

**Poughkeepsie, NY** – The Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force is investigating narcotics and dangerous drug sales in designated hotspot areas, particularly South Clinton Street in Poughkeepsie. Persistent community reports have assisted in these ongoing investigations.

During a recent investigation, Drug Task Force Agents acquired fentanyl from an apartment on South Clinton Street. On Tuesday, they arrested Micael E. Sedano, 21, following purchases made near 4 South Clinton Street. Agents apprehended Sedano in the Town of Poughkeepsie without incident on Wednesday.

Sedano faces charges of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, classified as a class B felony. He was arraigned and released in the City of Poughkeepsie court with a future court date set in compliance with New York State law.

Various agencies supported locating Sedano, including the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Division, the City of Poughkeepsie Police, and the Town of Poughkeepsie Police. Sedano, like any accused, is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Trump, Trudeau discuss Ukraine war, fentanyl crackdown in phone call

Breaking Local News ReportFebruary 22, 20250

WASHINGTON — President Donald J. Trump spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday, discussing the ongoing war in Ukraine, border security, and a recent hockey championship between the two nations. The leaders addressed Monday’s upcoming G7 call, marking three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. According to the White House, Trudeau echoed Trump’s desire for an end to the conflict and acknowledged Trump as “the only world leader who can push through a just and lasting peace.” Trump reiterated that the war “should never have started” and would not have if he had been in office at the

Clarkstown man sentenced to 21 years for distributing fentanyl linked to multiple poisonings

Breaking Local News ReportFebruary 21, 20250

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — A Clarkstown man was sentenced to more than 21 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl that caused three fatal and three non-fatal poisonings in Rockland County. The sentencing follows an investigation by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force, the Clarkstown Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Justin Turnick, 26, of Congers, pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute fentanyl and admitted responsibility for the poisonings, which occurred between February 2020 and April 2022. U.S. District Judge Philip M. Halpern handed down the sentence. Prosecutors said Turnick regularly distributed fentanyl in various forms,

Trump vows ‘horrible commercials’ to fight fentanyl crisis, pushes death penalty for drug dealers

Breaking Local News ReportFebruary 21, 20250

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump on Friday said his administration would launch graphic anti-drug advertisements to combat fentanyl abuse, while also advocating for the death penalty for drug dealers. The comments came as he was addressing a meeting of governors at the White House, during them to even use the death penalty for drug dealers. “I think you should really put out strong ads too,” Trump said, adding that his administration would release “horrible commercials” discouraging drug use. Trump also encouraged states to impose the death penalty for drug-related crimes. “Your states have the right to do death penalty

Drug Raid Yields Guns, Fentanyl, and Cash

Breaking Local News ReportFebruary 14, 20250

Utica Police Conduct Successful Drug and Weapon Raid

**UTICA, NY** – A search warrant was executed on February 11 at 1129 Miller St as part of an investigation into narcotics and weapons possession. The operation was a joint effort by the Utica Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit, GIVE Unit, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.

On Tuesday, officers from the UPD SIU and Patrol, Oneida County Narcotics Unit, and METRO SWAT detained Douglas Smallwood, 24, the target of the search warrant, at the residence on Miller St. The search led to the discovery and seizure of significant evidence.

Authorities seized four handguns, one modified with a “switch” to make it fully automatic, three extended handgun magazines, and 448 grams of fentanyl. Additionally, assorted ammunition, narcotics packing materials, and $9,275 in US currency were confiscated.

Smallwood faces charges including criminal possession of a controlled substance in the first and third degrees, criminal possession of a firearm, and multiple counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second and third degrees.

Former Marine pleads guilty in fentanyl overdose death of fellow Marine

Breaking Local News ReportFebruary 1, 20250

LOS ANGELES — A former U.S. Marine lance corporal pleaded guilty Friday to a felony drug offense in connection with the 2020 fentanyl-related death of a fellow Marine at a party in Compton. Anthony Ruben Whisenant, 24, admitted to using a cellphone to facilitate a drug transaction that led to the overdose death of another Marine, identified in court documents as L.M. Whisenant faces a maximum sentence of four years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 7. Prosecutors said Whisenant, then stationed at Camp Pendleton, ordered fentanyl-laced pills from dealer Gustavo Jaciel Solis, 28, after seeing an

Dutchess County drug task force arrests alleged fentanyl dealer

Breaking Local News ReportJanuary 30, 20250

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — A 28-year-old man was arrested Tuesday for allegedly selling fentanyl and cocaine out of a residence on Cannon Street, the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force announced. Investigators identified Tyshawn R. Smith as a suspect after conducting multiple undercover purchases of narcotics. A search warrant was obtained following the investigation. On January 28, Drug Task Force agents located Smith on Market Street in Poughkeepsie and arrested him without incident. Authorities then executed a search warrant at his Cannon Street residence. Smith has been charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree,

Trump holds call with China’s Xi, discusses trade, fentanyl, and global security

Breaking Local News ReportJanuary 17, 20250

PALM BEACH, Fla. — Former President Donald Trump announced he held a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, discussing key issues including trade, fentanyl, and TikTok, according to a statement posted on Trump’s social media account Thursday. In the post, Trump described the conversation as “very good” for both nations, expressing optimism about addressing longstanding issues between the U.S. and China. “It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately,” Trump wrote. The former president indicated that the discussion covered a range of topics, notably balancing trade relations, curbing the flow of fentanyl, and

Baltimore man sentenced to 20 years for leading fentanyl trafficking operation in West Virginia

Indira PatelJanuary 8, 20250

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Sean Jarred Davis, 33, of Baltimore, Maryland, was sentenced on Tuesday to 20 years in federal prison for running a fentanyl trafficking organization that operated in Hampshire and Mineral Counties, West Virginia. Court records reveal that Davis, also known as “Mike” and “Mike White,” distributed large quantities of fentanyl and heroin to individuals who sold the drugs on his behalf in the region. The sentencing includes three years of supervised release following his prison term. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher and investigated by the Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative

North Jersey man indicted on firearms and fentanyl trafficking charges

Breaking Local News ReportDecember 27, 20240

NEWARK, NJ — A Newark man has been indicted on multiple firearms and narcotics charges, including possession of a firearm in connection with drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced Wednesday. Raishaun Lofton, 30, of Newark, was charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Lofton appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Almonte in Newark federal court and was ordered detained. According to court filings, Lofton was arrested on February 22,

Four New Jersey drug dealers indicted on fentanyl distribution charges

Breaking Local News ReportDecember 21, 20240

LINDEN, N.J. – A Union County grand jury has indicted four Roselle residents on 19 drug-related charges following a two-month investigation by the Linden Police Department’s Narcotics Bureau that uncovered fentanyl disguised as prescription pills. Christine Cintron, 25, Tyron Dieujuste, 32, Xavier M. Padilla, 26, and Juanita Padilla-Jacobs, 43, were arrested on October 3 after detectives executed a search warrant at a residence on E. 9th Avenue in Roselle. During the raid, officers seized 280 grams of cocaine, quantities of Xanax and Ecstasy, $6,280 in cash, and nearly 400 suspected Oxycodone pills, which subsequent testing revealed to be fentanyl. “Fentanyl