13 Charged in Major New York Drug Trafficking Bust Spanning Coast to Coast

Thirteen individuals are facing serious federal charges after authorities took down what they describe as a sophisticated drug trafficking ring operating out of New York City and funneling massive quantities of narcotics throughout the Northeast, including Upstate New York.

The joint operation, led by the DEA, FBI, and New York State Police, resulted in the seizure of nearly 500 kilograms of cocaine, along with fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, marijuana, a firearm, and over $1 million in cash.

24 Locations Raided in Coordinated Effort

On June 12, 2025, law enforcement agencies carried out searches at 24 locations across New York and New Jersey. Additional arrests were made in Pennsylvania and Georgia. The sweep was the result of an 18 month investigation into a network that trafficked drugs from California to New York City and then distributed them across the state.

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Nearly 250 kilos of cocaine were seized during the June 12 raids, on top of 240 kilos of cocaine, 185 pounds of meth, and almost 700 pounds of marijuana previously confiscated during the investigation.

Officials Say Traffickers Were 'Flooding Communities With Poison'

U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III emphasized the scale of the takedown, stating, “We have smashed a sophisticated, New York City-based drug trafficking organization that was pumping poison into our Upstate New York communities.”

DEA Special Agent Frank A. Tarentino said the group had "plagued and poisoned" neighborhoods, while FBI Special Agent Craig A. Tremaroli noted the network’s wide reach from California to the Capital Region, North Country, Central, and Western New York.

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New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James added, “These individuals were responsible for flooding our streets with lethal narcotics, putting countless lives at risk.”

Thirteen Defendants Face Serious Federal Charges

The following individuals are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances:

• Samer Abdelhak, 35, of Fresh Meadows, NY
• Leon Chen, 29, of Long Island City, NY
• Michael Harper, 38, of Corning, NY
• Anthony Medina, 28, of Painted Post, NY
• Broslloyd Campbell, 42, of Hewlett, NY
• Anthony Dixon Jr., 41, of Jackson, NJ
• Chaquill Foster, 31, of Schenectady, NY
• Christopher Smith, 39, of Fresh Meadows, NY
• Jason Hogue, 44, of Lake Placid, NY
• Christopher Christman, 42, of Fresh Meadows, NY
• Cesar Ariel Castro-Sanchez, 31, of Palisades Park, NJ
• Jocelyn Foster, 29, of Amsterdam, NY
• Mikell Butler, 34, of Schenectady, NY

Most face mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years and could receive life in prison if convicted.

Investigation Involved Wide Law Enforcement Collaboration

The investigation was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. It involved the DEA’s Capital District Drug Enforcement Task Force, the FBI’s Capital District Safe Streets Gang Task Force, and the NYSP. Additional assistance came from the IRS, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and several local law enforcement agencies.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cyrus Rieck, Katherine Kopita, and Nicholas Walter are leading the prosecution.

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Presumption of Innocence Remains

Authorities reminded the public that all charges in the criminal complaint are accusations. Each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.