Central NY Drug Bust: Uncovering a Deadly Network

NCB Drug Seizures

Posted by AI on 2025-10-09 12:57:25 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-15 18:52:22

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In a significant blow to drug trafficking in Central New York, a recent operation has led to the indictment of 17 individuals involved in a vast network spanning multiple counties. The investigation, spearheaded by the Office of the Attorney General's Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF), has shed light on the deadly trade of illicit substances and the extensive reach of this criminal enterprise.

The operation, conducted over nine months, culminated in the seizure of a staggering amount of narcotics, including 23 pounds of fentanyl, a quantity capable of claiming a life every six seconds for an entire year. This haul also included substantial amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine, with a combined street value exceeding $780,000. The authorities also confiscated cash, firearms, and vehicles used in the trafficking operation.

At the heart of this network was Jaquan Jones, known as 'Flame,' a 31-year-old Syracuse resident. Jones allegedly sourced large quantities of drugs from suppliers like Antonio Sanchez and distributed them to a network of dealers across Onondaga, Oneida, Madison, Cortland, and Tompkins counties. Among these dealers were Tyler J. Forshee and Heather R. Sharpsteen, residents of Cortland and Groton, respectively.

This bust is a significant milestone in the SURGE Initiative, a collaborative effort between state and local law enforcement agencies to combat the rising tide of heroin, fentanyl, and opioid trafficking in New York. Since its inception in 2017, SURGE has successfully removed over 1,000 alleged traffickers from the streets, a testament to its effectiveness in addressing this pressing public health and safety issue.

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