Seven Charged in Western New York Drug Trafficking Investigation
Seven individuals have been indicted on charges related to drug trafficking in Western New York following an investigation led by the New York Attorney General’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and local law enforcement agencies. Authorities allege the group was responsible for distributing fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine in the Buffalo and Jamestown areas.
The 130-count indictment, unsealed this week, includes charges of conspiracy, criminal sale, and possession of controlled substances. Law enforcement officials say the investigation led to the seizure of nearly one kilogram of cocaine, over half a pound of methamphetamine, more than an ounce of fentanyl, and approximately $4,000 in cash.
New York Attorney General Letitia James emphasized the importance of dismantling drug networks, stating, “These individuals sold a variety of deadly narcotics across Western New York, and now they are being brought to justice.”
According to investigators, wiretaps revealed coded conversations among the defendants regarding drug sales. Common terms allegedly used included "soft," "hard," or "girl" for cocaine, "food" or "boy" for fentanyl, and "cream" for methamphetamine.
The indictment identifies Ronnie Dupree as a central figure in the operation, with authorities claiming he purchased large quantities of drugs from Dion Anderson, Kenneth Pringle, and Antwain Jackson before distributing them. Dupree and Jackson reportedly traveled between Buffalo and Jamestown to make sales, while Anderson allegedly sold cocaine from his Buffalo residence. A search warrant executed at Anderson’s home in November 2024 reportedly led to the discovery of drugs, paraphernalia, and cash.
Other individuals charged include Devan Huntington, Sabrina Leeper, and David Vaughn, who prosecutors allege obtained methamphetamine and other drugs from Jackson.
The defendants face a range of potential prison sentences if convicted. Pringle could receive up to 30 years, Dupree up to 24 years, Anderson up to 20 years, and the remaining defendants up to 10 years each.
DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino described the case as part of ongoing efforts to curb drug distribution in upstate New York, stating,
“Today’s arraignment of these seven individuals, who continuously flooded our upstate neighborhoods with illicit and synthetic drugs, shows our determination in targeting these organizations.”
Authorities noted that the charges are accusations at this stage, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The investigation was conducted with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Niagara Falls Police Department, the Buffalo Police Department, and the New York State Army National Guard Counter Drug Task Force. The prosecution is being handled by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force.