Juan Oliverias-Arbello, Heroin Conspiracy and Distribution, NY 2024

BUFFALO, NY – Another cog in Buffalo’s heroin machine has turned state’s evidence. Juan Oliverias-Arbello, 28, admitted guilt today to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of 100 grams or more of heroin. The plea, entered before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara, carries a mandatory minimum of five years behind bars, and could stretch to a maximum of 40 years, alongside a hefty $5,000,000 fine.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney George C. Burgasser, Oliverias-Arbello was part of a wider operation flooding the West Side of Buffalo with heroin between July 2014 and September 28, 2015. Federal investigators, alongside the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET) and the Buffalo Police Department, used court-ordered wiretaps and undercover buys to build their case. The investigation wasn’t relying on luck; it was a targeted takedown.

Oliverias-Arbello wasn’t operating alone. He conspired with Hector Carattini and others, acting as a “runner” for the larger organization led by Daniel Molina-Rios. Molina-Rios, along with Orlando Rios, Luis Montanez, and Jose Andujar, were all arrested in June 2015. The organization sourced their product from New York City, but also maintained a local supply – a clear attempt to avoid detection and ensure a consistent flow of drugs.

This guilty plea represents a small victory in a much larger case. A total of 14 defendants have been indicted, with Oliverias-Arbello being only the second to be convicted. Charges remain pending against the rest of the crew. Remember, an indictment is not a conviction, but the mounting pressure on this network is palpable.

The investigation was a joint effort, spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) under Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, the New York State Police CNET (Major David Krause and Lieutenant Kevin Reyes), and the Buffalo Police Department (Commissioner Daniel Derenda). They’ve put in the work, and now we’re seeing some results, but the fight against heroin in Buffalo is far from over.

Oliverias-Arbello is scheduled to be sentenced on September 5, 2017, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara. Grimy Times will be there to report on the final outcome. Contact Barbara Burns for further details (716) 843-5817. Fax: (716) 551-3051.