44 arrested in upstate NY drug raids
MONTGOMERY, N.Y. - MONTGOMERY, N.Y. (AP) — A series of raids on drug rings in the Hudson Valley led to the arrests of 44 people Thursday, state officials said.
The suspects are accused of funneling large amounts of cocaine, prescription drugs and marijuana into Orange County and surrounding areas through three separate drug distribution networks.
Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said that more than $180,000 worth of drugs and $83,000 in cash were seized during the roundup dubbed "Operation Burning Plant."
Six people are charged in connection with a cocaine trafficking ring extending from Orange County and the Bronx to Florida and the Dominican Republic. Eighteen others face charges they distributed illegal prescription medication.
Prosecutors have charged 28 with involvement in a marijuana distribution network working between Orange County and Florida, Arizona and Canada. Several suspects are charged with overlapping participation in at least two of the trafficking rings.
The raids centered on the town of Newburgh, 60 miles north of New York City. The arrests follow a two-year investigation led by state police and officials from the state attorney general's office. Numerous other law enforcement agencies are also involved.
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