Buffalo Woman Gets 4 Years in Opioid Trafficking

BUFFALO, NY – Rose Smith, 66, is trading her Buffalo home for a federal prison cell after being sentenced to 48 months behind bars for peddling a dangerous cocktail of opioids. U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo handed down the sentence today, bringing a measure of justice to a case that exposed a blatant disregard for public safety.

The case began back on February 7, 2014, when law enforcement executed a search warrant at Smith’s Littlefield Avenue residence. What they found wasn’t a grandmother’s cozy home, but a stash house brimming with prescription pills, patches, marijuana, and even two firearms. The haul wasn’t just for personal use, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Higgins, who prosecuted the case. The evidence painted a clear picture: Smith was running a small-time, but deadly, drug operation.

Lab analysis confirmed the pills and patches contained a potent mix of oxycodone, fentanyl, oxymorphone, and hydrocodone – all highly addictive and capable of causing fatal overdoses. Smith didn’t bother with subtlety. She admitted to selling the bulk of her own legally prescribed fentanyl and oxycodone to customers on the street. But it didn’t stop there. She was also diverting narcotics obtained from at least two other individuals, expanding her network and profiting from the misery of others.

Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. didn’t mince words, stating the sentence sends a clear message: those who profit from the opioid crisis will be held accountable. While 48 months isn’t a lifetime, it’s a significant chunk of time for a 66-year-old, and a small victory in a city – and a nation – grappling with a devastating epidemic. The investigation revealed a troubling pattern of prescription pill abuse and the ease with which these drugs can end up in the wrong hands.

The successful prosecution was a joint effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), led by Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt of the New York Field Division, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under Sheriff Timothy Howard. These agencies continue to work tirelessly to dismantle drug trafficking operations and stem the flow of illicit substances into our communities. This wasn’t just about catching one dealer; it was about disrupting a network and potentially saving lives.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis in Buffalo and beyond. Contact Barbara Burns at (716) 843-5817 for further information. Fax: (716) 551-3051.

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