WHITE PLAINS, NY – Matthew Draper, 49, of Haverstraw, New York, is facing life behind bars after a federal indictment revealed his alleged role as a major cocaine distributor. Draper, also known as “Mata,” was initially arrested October 6, 2016, and has remained in custody ever since, accused of running a wholesale cocaine operation stretching from the Dominican Republic to the New York area.
According to court documents unsealed today, Draper’s conspiracy involved smuggling massive quantities of cocaine on commercial airline flights. The operation allegedly relied on a network of contacts working within airports in both the Dominican Republic and the United States to bypass security and deliver the drugs. Acting United States Attorney Joon H. Kim and DEA Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt announced the indictment, detailing how Draper allegedly worked with a confidential informant and a Dominican Republic supplier to move approximately 20 kilograms of cocaine.
The bust unfolded on October 5, 2016, when DEA agents learned the 20 kilograms purchased by Draper had been concealed within luggage and was en route to JFK Airport. Agents successfully located the plane and the luggage, recovering the cocaine – neatly wrapped and vacuum-sealed. Draper was apprehended that same day while attempting to collect the drugs from the informant at a prearranged meeting spot. The scene wasn’t bare either; a search of Draper’s vehicle yielded approximately $23,000 in cash and an additional kilogram of what appeared to be cocaine.
The DEA didn’t stop there. A subsequent search warrant executed at Draper’s residence uncovered another half-kilogram of a substance believed to be cocaine. The scale of the operation suggests a sophisticated and well-funded network, raising questions about potential accomplices still at large. Law enforcement officials are remaining tight-lipped about ongoing investigative avenues.
Draper is now charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute narcotics and one count of possession of narcotics with intent to distribute. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. While the statutory maximums are set by Congress, the actual sentence will be determined by the court. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Burns, Lauren Schorr, and Christopher J. Clore are leading the prosecution for the White Plains Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Kim praised the DEA’s work, also extending gratitude to the Rockland County Drug Task Force and the Town of Haverstraw Police Department Street Crime Unit for their assistance. It’s crucial to remember that these are allegations, and Draper is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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