Dupree & Crew: WNY Drug Ring Busted

BUFFALO, NY – Western New York communities are a little less poisoned today thanks to a hard-hitting investigation by the New York Attorney General’s Office. Attorney General Letitia James announced the dismantling of a drug trafficking ring that pumped fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine into the streets of Buffalo and Jamestown. Seven individuals now face a staggering 130 charges in connection with the operation.

The bust, spearheaded by the OAG’s Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) with help from the DEA and Niagara Falls Police Department (NFPD), yielded a grim haul: nearly one kilogram of cocaine valued at $30,000, over half a pound of methamphetamine worth $1,500, and more than one ounce of fentanyl – a killer dose – valued at $1,600. Authorities also seized over $4,000 in cash, presumably profits from peddling misery.

“Dismantling dangerous drug trafficking networks is essential to keeping our communities safe,” Attorney General James stated. “These individuals sold a variety of deadly narcotics, including fentanyl, across Western New York, and now they are being brought to justice.” The investigation relied heavily on court-authorized wiretaps, revealing the defendants’ attempts to cloak their illegal activities in coded language. Cocaine was referred to as “soft,” “hard,” or “girl,” fentanyl as “food” or “boy,” and methamphetamine as “cream.” The level of deception wasn’t enough.

At the center of the network was Ronnie Dupree, 47, of Buffalo, New York, allegedly the key buyer, sourcing cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine from Dion Anderson, 44, of Buffalo, New York; Kenneth Pringle, 50, of Niagara Falls, New York; Antwain Jackson, 48, of Buffalo, New York; and others. Dupree and Jackson reportedly made the rounds from Buffalo to Jamestown, dealing directly to customers. Anderson operated out of his Buffalo home, supplying not only the ringleaders but also David Vaughn, 26, of Buffalo, New York. A November 2024 raid on Anderson’s residence uncovered over half a pound of cocaine, a scale with residue, and the aforementioned $4,000 in cash.

Rounding out the charged individuals are Devan Huntington, 30, of Jamestown, New York, and Sabrina Leeper, 50, of Jamestown, New York, who allegedly sourced drugs from Jackson. All seven are facing a litany of charges, including various counts of Criminal Sale and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (class A and B felonies), as well as Conspiracy in the Second Degree (a class B felony). The stakes are high. If convicted on the top counts, Kenneth Pringle faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. Ronnie Dupree could see 24 years behind bars, while Dion Anderson faces a potential 20-year sentence. Antwain Jackson, Devan Huntington, Sabrina Leeper, and David Vaughn each face a maximum of 10 years.

It’s crucial to remember that these are allegations at this point. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. But this takedown sends a clear message: those who profit from the misery of others will be relentlessly pursued and brought to account. The streets of Western New York are a little safer tonight, but the fight against the relentless flow of deadly drugs is far from over.