Two Niagara County residents were among 14 suspects who have pleaded guilty and been sentenced for their roles in a local drug trafficking ring that operated throughout Western New York.
The individuals were convicted of selling more than $250,000 worth of cocaine and thousands of fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone throughout Erie and Niagara counties. An investigation led by the Office of the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force ultimately led to the seizure of approximately 1,440 counterfeit prescription “M-30” fentanyl pills and nearly one kilogram of cocaine worth a combined $130,000, a loaded .45 caliber pistol, and more than $4,000 in cash.
As a result of their pleas, the central figures of the trafficking operation will be sentenced to state prison sentences.
“Stopping drug trafficking operations that sell deadly narcotics is critical to keeping New Yorkers safe,” said Attorney General Letitia James. “Not only did these traffickers distribute deadly amounts of fentanyl, they put New Yorkers in even more danger by disguising their drugs as prescription pills. I want to thank our partners in law enforcement for helping to secure these convictions.”
The 18-month investigation was conducted in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Buffalo District Office’s Tactical Diversion Squad and the New York State Police’s Violent Gang and Narcotic Enforcement Team.
Fourteen defendants pled guilty and were sentenced in Erie County Court by the Honorable James F. Bargnesi. During their guilty pleas, the defendants admitted to their roles as purchasers and distributors of large amounts of counterfeit prescription “M-30” fentanyl pills and cocaine.
Among those who pled guilty:
• Tajine Benning of Niagara Falls to second-degree attempted criminal possession of a weapon in January. As part of his plea, Benning admitted to attempting to possess a loaded .45 caliber pistol. He was sentenced to five years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision.
• Michael McPhee of Lockport to third-degree attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance in July 2023. He admitted to attempting to possess cocaine with intent to sell it and was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison followed by three years of post-release supervision.