Edgar Pavia, Cocaine Conspiracy, New York 2018

Buffalo Man’s Role in Nationwide Cocaine Ring Exposed

A Texas man, Edgar Pavia, 44, of El Paso, pleaded guilty to his involvement in a multi-state cocaine conspiracy that stretched from El Paso to Buffalo. The crime, which began in October 2017 and ended in December 2018, involved Pavia and 11 co-defendants, including Eduardo Enrique Valdez, Adrian Goudelock, Eric Young, Lance Parker, Jai Hunter, Daniel Sterling, Martin Lopez, Ivan Rene Rios Bustillos, Adrian Grier, Shamar Davis, and Gabrielle McGrady.

Pavia and his co-defendants worked together to sell cocaine and hide the proceeds of their illicit activities. On October 2, 2017, Pavia and co-defendant Eduardo Enrique Valdez traveled from El Paso to Cleveland, OH, where they picked up 10 kilograms of cocaine to be transported back to Buffalo. The cocaine was concealed in the spare tire of their vehicle.

During the course of the investigation, authorities intercepted numerous wire and electronic communications, revealing that Pavia was a key player in brokering bulk quantities of cocaine to multiple areas, including Buffalo, Kentucky, and Georgia. On July 25, 2018, investigators seized 17 kilograms of cocaine from the vehicle of co-defendant Lance Parker, prompting Pavia to discuss the seizure with co-defendant Adrian Goudelock, who suggested ‘chilling for a few weeks’ before resuming their activities.

The investigation, led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Buffalo, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly, involved multiple agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York State Police, Erie County Sheriff’s Department, and Customs and Border Protection. Additional assistance was provided by the New York National Guard and other law enforcement agencies.

Pavia faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $20,000,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for February 2, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Charges remain pending against several co-defendants, including Adrian Goudelock, Eric Young, Jai Hunter, Martin Lopez, Shamar Davis, and Gabrielle McGrady.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Drug Trafficking

Joey Fuller, Drug Sales Violation, Connecticut 2023

Aug 25, 2020

Drug Trafficking

Benjamin Dozier, Fentanyl Trafficking, Connecticut 2024

Jun 30, 2026

Drug Trafficking

Schevris Hawkins, Cocaine Possession, Alabama 2024

Feb 5, 2015

Drug Trafficking

Joseph Damgajian, Pseudoephedrine Importation, Iowa 2012

May 25, 2022