Several Dominicans nabbed in major NY State drug bust

NEW YORK.- Several Dominicans were detained Wednesday in the operation "Southbound," which busted cells and strategic drug trafficking points operating in northern towns in Upstate New York, mostly Syracuse, State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said in a statement.

The raids and searches netter 39 suspects, conducted by various law enforcement agencies and New York State troopers, who seized 10 kilos of pure cocaine, with an estimated street value of $US1.0 million.

The state attorney said the operation dismantled a powerful and dangerous gang that distributed drugs in that part of the state, including Buffalo, Syracuse, Cortland and Watertown.

He said the 9-month investigation with 100 hours of surveillance and taped phone conversations uncovered the narcotic traffickers’ operations in the area.

The 39 suspects were charged with selling and possessing controlled substances, conspiracy to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to commit crimes.

If convicted, the defendants Alexander Galán, Juan Galán, Geraldo González, Ricardo Martino Serrano, Oscar Morales, Deborah Oliva, Santos Oliver, Carlos Orta, Jimmy Peña and Lisette Tejeda could face life in prison.

Also Donald Abrams, Ravaughn Baker, Lyle Camige, Terrace Carter, Joseph Crosson, Kamara Davidson, Danielle Garrow, Tamara Glover, Shane Granger, Corey D. Grier, Lisa Spector, Tony King, Billy Pringle, Toshiro Scott, Gerry Lee Stewart y Nadine, Raymond y Terrance Williams.