The defendants frequently utilized coded and cryptic terminology in an attempt to disguise their illicit activities, such as referring to ounces of cocaine as “onions” or “zips,” and 3.5-gram narcotics transactions as “balls,” short for “8 balls,” or one-eighth ounce quantities of cocaine. During the course of the wiretapping, the OAG discovered that Jackson was also the source for a separate drug ring in the region, which is outlined in the second indictment. The first indictment outlines the activity of the “Pupello Group” - which was led by Michael Pupello, and charges 25 individuals with 123 counts for their roles in selling narcotics in Onondaga - Madison, and Oswego counties. Pupello employed a vast network of individuals who bought and sold primarily cocaine in the region, and sourced the majority of the drugs from Gregory Procopio, Eduardo Huertas, Jr., and Clinton Jackson.
The investigation included covert physical surveillance, thousands of hours of electronic surveillance, and multiple search warrants - all aimed at rooting out cocaine dealers operating throughout New York and elsewhere. The multi-agency investigation - dubbed “Operation Raw Materials” - brought together the resources of more than a dozen local, state, and federal enforcement agencies. Today’s takedown was the result of a joint investigation between the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) and the Oneida/Madison County Drug Task Force. We remain committed to working side-by-side with our partners to make our streets safer.” This investigation and disruption of both these drug rings sends a clear message that we have zero tolerance for those who sell deadly, illegal drugs in our communities. “I applaud the Office of the Attorney General and our other partners for their tireless efforts to target and eliminate these operations. “The dedication of law enforcement has resulted in the take down of not one, but two cocaine distribution rings supplying deadly drugs into Central New York,” said State Police Superintendent Kevin Bruen. I thank our law enforcement partners for their support in seeing this through.”
We will ensure that those responsible for endangering our communities are held accountable. “As Syracuse continues to experience record high levels of violence, today, we make good on our commitment to protecting our communities by taking these dangerous guns and drugs off our streets. “Cracking down on illegal drug trafficking and violent crime has been a priority for our office since day one,” said Attorney General James. In total, the seizures have an estimated street value of up to $2 million. As alleged in four indictments - unsealed in Onondaga County Court today - this two-year investigation resulted in the seizure of 32 kilograms of cocaine, 117 grams of heroin mixed with fentanyl, more than $490,000, and 15 firearms, including nine ghost guns. NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the indictment of 78 individuals charged with 355 crimes for their roles in two major drug distribution networks that were based in Central New York and transported cocaine throughout New York state. 78 Individuals Indicted for Trafficking Cocaine, Heroin, and Fentanyl Throughout NYS Illegal Possession of Firearms, Including Untraceable Ghost GunsĪG James Has Taken More Than 1,400 Guns Off NYS's Streets Since 2019
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