Two Steuben County residents are among thirteen people arrested in a sweeping federal crackdown on a major drug trafficking ring operating from New York City to Upstate communities.
Michael Harper, 38, of Corning, and Anthony Medina, 28, of Painted Post, were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. They were taken into custody as part of a coordinated takedown led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.
Federal investigators say the operation followed an 18-month investigation into a cross-country drug pipeline that transported cocaine and other narcotics from California through New York City and into regions including Western and Central New York. On June 12, law enforcement searched 24 locations across New York and New Jersey, seizing nearly 250 kilos of cocaine, fentanyl pills, a firearm, and over $1 million in cash.
The broader investigation also led to the seizure of 185 pounds of methamphetamine and nearly 700 pounds of marijuana. Arrests were made in Georgia and Pennsylvania in connection with the same network.
“These individuals were responsible for flooding our streets with lethal narcotics, putting countless lives at risk,” said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. “By taking down this network, we have removed a serious threat to the safety of neighborhoods across New York.”
The charges carry a minimum of ten years in prison and could result in life sentences. Prosecutors emphasized that each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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