Sullivan drug ring taken down

Posted 8/21/12

MONTICELLO, NY — Some 27 people were arrested as local, state and federal authorities apprehended subjects who are accused of distributing heroin and cocaine and other drugs in Sullivan County.

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Sullivan drug ring taken down

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MONTICELLO, NY — Some 27 people were arrested as local, state and federal authorities apprehended subjects who are accused of distributing heroin and cocaine and other drugs in Sullivan County.

At a press conference at the Sullivan County courthouse on March 11, Sullivan County District Attorney Jim Farrell said the quantity of drugs was significant.

Farrel said, “These drugs destroy lives, they rip apart families, and they fuel a cycle of violence in our communities that threatens our safety and security.”

He said the investigation involved two separate conspiracies. He charged that David Valazquez was the head of one; Adrian Phillip was the head of the other.

Farrell said that at the Valazquez residence, officials seized 300 grams of cocaine and 200 grams of heroin, a loaded handgun and $50,000 in cash. If Valazquez is convicted on all the charges he faces, he could receive 25 years in prison.

At the Phillips residence, officers seized 538 grams—about half a kilogram—of cocaine, and he could potentially face life in prison.

Farrell stressed several times that the arrests were the result of teamwork among multiple agencies, and those included the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team, Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office, FBI Safe Streets Task Force, City of Middletown Police Department, Town of Fallsburg Police Department, Village of Monticello Police Department, Village of Liberty Police Department and the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office.

The drug problem in Sullivan County and the country at this point has reached epidemic proportions, and Farrell said the battle against distribution organizations like these two would continue. He said, “Folks are on notice, if you engage in this behavior, you are going to be investigated, you are going to be apprehended, you are going to be held to account.”

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