Minerva Maestre, Hector Mercado-Torres, Cocaine Charges, New York 2017

Two Dunkirk residents, Minerva Maestre, 49, and Hector Mercado-Torres, 23, have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine; and maintaining a drug involved premises.

The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years and a $5,000,000 fine.

According to the complaint, on April 28, 2017, the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant at 51 E. Second Street in Dunkirk, NY, which is the residence of the defendants. During the search, officers seized 18 packages of suspected crack cocaine and cocaine, plastic baggies, and $171,962 in cash.

The complaint further alleges that defendants distributed crack cocaine from the residence.

The defendants made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and are being held pending a detention hearing.

Minerva Maestre’s and Hector Mercado-Torres’ charges include:

– Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine;

– Maintaining a drug involved premises.

Location: Buffalo, New York.

Date: April 28, 2017.

Outcome: Being held pending a detention hearing.

Amount: $5,000,000 fine.

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