Three men have been indicted on charges of conspiracy to distribute ecstasy and molly in a major bust in Buffalo, NY.
According to a grand jury indictment, Richard Clarke, 47, a Canadian citizen residing in Buffalo, Barrett Johnson, 32, of Jamestown, NY, and Joshua Castro, 31, of Buffalo, NY, were charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000. In addition, Castro is charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, also punishable by 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint against defendants Clarke and Johnson, the investigation began in February of 2015.
Clarke was identified through surveillance as the supplier of MDA and MDMA, also known as ecstasy or molly, to Johnson over a 10-month period.
On January 28, 2016, law enforcement officers established surveillance at Clarke’s Nottingham Terrace residence in Buffalo and Johnson’s business, Iconz Barbershop on Hertel Avenue in Buffalo.
Officers trailed Clarke and Johnson to Elmwood Avenue where they observed Johnson approaching Clarke’s vehicle and the two exchanged what appeared to be a blue colored bottle.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero and the Border Enforcement Security Taskforce which includes the Ontario Provincial Police, Niagara Regional Police, Peel Regional Police and Toronto Police Services.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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