Major drug dealing operation with tentacles in the Hudson Valley broken up, says AG James

A yearlong law enforcement operation has broken up a drug ring that stretched from the Capital Region into the Hudson Valley, leading to a massive 276-count indictment of 26 people and the seizure of large quantities of cocaine and fentanyl-laced heroin, along with guns and $67,000 in cash. The street value of the drugs was estimated at $350,000. Attorney General Letitia James made the announcement on April 16. State investigators and local police agencies alleged Jahrell Friday, 39, of Albany was one of the ringleaders. They said he obtained narcotics from Albany-based sources and attempted to import drugs from California through the mail, including a package that allegedly concealed a kilogram of cocaine among children’s gifts and clothing. Further evidence was gleaned from over two dozen phones that were surveilled. The state said two Bronx-based suppliers, Alex Umpierre and Alcides Garcia, were each charged with operating as a major trafficker, a charge that carries a mandatory life sentence under New York law. The post Major drug dealing operation with tentacles in the Hudson Valley broken up, says AG James first appeared on Hudson Valley One .