Four charged in 122-count narcotics ring indictment

POUGHKEEPSIE — A Hudson Valley drug trafficking ring peddling cocaine, powder fentanyl and counterfeit oxycodone containing fentanyl was recently taken down after an investigation by the Office of the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force, as announced by New York State attorney general Letitia James on Feb. 19.

A 122-count indictment for participation in the ring — which stretched over Dutchess, Ulster, and Orange counties — was handed down in Dutchess County Court to Xavier Grant, 22, of Poughkeepsie; Antawone West, 25, of Poughkeepsie; Michael Jones, 33, of Poughkeepsie; and Kenyi Torres, 45, of Middletown. Some of the charges levied include multiple felonies for offenses relating to criminal possession of firearms and criminal possession and sale of narcotics.

As part of their investigation, the task force netted two and a half kilograms of cocaine with a street value of $45,000, counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl valued around $500,000, and three and a half kilograms of powder fentanyl valued at approximately $200,000. Additionally, five illegal handguns, including two ghost guns and four high-capacity magazines were also recovered along with drug paraphernalia such as scales, zip-lock bags and glassine envelopes, two “kilo” presses and cash totaling around $255,000.

Narcotics were housed at various residential locations throughout Poughkeepsie and sales frequently took place in parking lots.
“Drug traffickers who distribute lethal amounts of opioids put communities throughout our state in danger,” commented attorney general James. “Not only did these individuals sell deadly narcotics, they disguised fentanyl in fake prescription pills, putting the lives of their customers at even greater risk.”

According to New York State police superintendent Steven G. James, “The sale of these highly addictive drugs perpetuates a cycle of substance abuse which poses a significant threat to safety and quality of life within our neighborhoods. This sends a strong message to dealers that we will not tolerate illegal drugs and weapons being brought into or sold in our communities.”