Two simultaneous drug raids in Erie County resulted in the seizure of 50 grams of heroin Monday morning, according to Erie County Sheriff Timothy Howard.
Acting on search warrants signed by Erie County Court Judge Thomas Franczyk, the Narcotics Unit raided apartment 4E at 320 Perry Street (within the Commodore Perry Housing Development) in the City of Buffalo and a residence on Erie Road in the Town of Evans at 6:30 a.m.
The Sheriff's Narcotics Unit says it seized 50 grams of heroin which the Sheriff's office says is equivalent to about 1,000 doses. The unit also says it seized one-half ounce of crack cocaine, numerous loose Xanax pills, a quantity of marijuana, about $4,500 and a handgun.
Sheriff Howard says other drugs, not just heroin, are now being laced to fentanyl and cocaine. This is something that has been seen in areas surrounding Western New York, particularly Canada and Ohio, according to the Sheriff. The drugs from Monday's raid are being tested to see whether or not they were laced.
All drugs, money and the handgun were found at the Buffalo residence. No narcotics were found in the Evans raid, according to officials.
The handgun was submitted for analysis. Deputies say it is unknown at this time whether or not the gun is stolen.
James Carter, 31, was arrested and is being held at the Erie County Holding Center until his arraignment. He is accused of the following charges:
- Two felony counts of criminal possession of narcotics with intent to sell
- Two felony counts of criminal possession of narcotics
- Felony count of criminal possession of a weapon
- Misdemeanor counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance
- Three misdemeanor counts of criminal use of a drug paraphernalia
- Two separate violations for marijuana possession and prescription drug possession
Carter is a three-time convicted drug felon, according to the Sheriff's office. He is expected to be arraigned in Buffalo City Court Monday afternoon.
The investigation is a result of a tip to the Sheriff's Office. The Narcotics Unit says it learned Carter was targeting members of the Seneca Nation in the Cattaraugus Indian Territory for his illegal drug sales.
