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Drug bust takes down large drug network

Matt Shortall
Posted 9/22/17

MONTICELLO — Eight suspects, including four Sullivan County residents, were arrested Monday evening following a months-long investigation into a heroin distribution ring.

“This is a major …

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Drug bust takes down large drug network

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MONTICELLO — Eight suspects, including four Sullivan County residents, were arrested Monday evening following a months-long investigation into a heroin distribution ring.

“This is a major hit to the supply of heroin here in Sullivan County,” said District Attorney Jim Farrell.

“Operation Jersey Boyz,” nicknamed for its link to the Garden State, began in June and has now netted more than 7,100 bags of heroin and $6,000 in cash.

The drugs were allegedly trafficked from New Jersey to be sold in New York, where they were expected to net higher profits according to Farrell.

The heroin was packaged in white bags stamped with the letters D.O.A., or “Dead on Arrival.” They were bundled 10 bags to a clip and 50 clips to a brick.

“These individuals were not selling two bags at a time,” said Farrell. Authorities believe they were “middlemen” moving larger quantities of heroin to other dealers.

Two lieutenants were both there from the New Jersey State Police.

“For those people dealing heroin in Sullivan County and beyond, they need to know that we're not stopping at the border,” warned Farrell. “We will follow you wherever you go.”

Davante Robinson was arrested and charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 2nd degree, an A-2 felony.

Robinson allegedly sold over 1,200 bags of heroin in the town of Mamakating. He was arrested in Essex County, NJ, where he awaits extradition to New York State. Additional charges are expected to follow.

Stephan Banks was charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree, as well as possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree. Banks allegedly sold 350 bags of heroin in the Village of Monticello.

Police suspect Banks was operating out of the Econolodge on Broadway in Monticello, directly across the street from a Catholic Charities drug and rehabilitation center.

“We're not going to have people dealing drugs in the parking lot of our rehabilitation center,” said Farrell.

Phase two of the investigation focused on a group of individuals operating out of the Laurel Garden apartments in Fallsburg. Police believe the Fallsburg suspects were being supplied by Robinson.

Shyquan Tait from South Fallsburg, Ronald Smith from Monticello, Alisha Purdy from Loch Sheldrake, Kevin Yuille, Angel Mulero from Hurleyville and Shaheed White were all charged with multiple counts of criminal possession in the 3rd degree

Tait was also charged with five counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree.

A search warrant carried out by New Jersey State Police in Essex County turned up an assault rifle equipped with a silencer and a high capacity magazine. The weapon “looked like something that belongs on a battlefield,” said Farrell.

All suspects with the exception of Robinson were arraigned in front of Judge Frank LaBuda, and are being held in the Sullivan County Jail without bail.

The New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET) and Sullivan County District Attorney's Office were assisted by State Police Troop F BCI and Uniform, FBI Safe Streets Task Force, New Jersey State Police, Town of Fallsburg Police Department, Village of Liberty Police Department, Sullivan County Sheriff's Office and the Village of Monticello Police Department.

Farrell said law enforcement is actively searching for other conspirators connected to this investigation.

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