A six-month undercover operation has shattered a major drug network that was relentlessly pushing fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine onto the streets of Long Island. The investigation culminated in the arrest of six individuals and the seizure of a terrifying quantity of narcotics – enough fentanyl to tragically impact 1.5 million people.
The network’s reach extended from the Bronx, directly into suburban communities, fueled by a sophisticated trafficking pipeline. Investigators meticulously documented the operation, completing thirteen controlled purchases between April and October, acquiring over 7,400 counterfeit fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone, and nearly three kilograms of cocaine. The street value of this deadly haul exceeded $245,000.
At the center of the conspiracy was 26-year-old John Collado, allegedly the mastermind directing a coordinated sales operation. He relied on a network of accomplices – Luiggi Peralta, Anthony Dominguez, Yergenis Paulino, David Priest, and Michael Torres – each playing a crucial role in the procurement, transportation, and distribution of the drugs.
Surveillance revealed a chilling pattern: Peralta and Dominguez frequently dispatched Priest or Paulino to deliver narcotics directly to Collado, preparing for sales to undercover officers. This intricate system allowed the network to operate with a disturbing level of efficiency and anonymity.
On October 30th, authorities executed simultaneous search warrants across Suffolk County, the Bronx, and Lindenhurst. What they discovered was a grim testament to the scale of the operation – a vast stockpile of drugs, cash, and weaponry.
The seizures were staggering: five kilograms of heroin, four kilograms of fentanyl, nearly two kilograms of cocaine, and over 2,000 counterfeit fentanyl pills. But the danger didn’t stop there. Law enforcement also recovered three handguns, a rifle, a shotgun, and multiple high-capacity magazines, including three drums capable of holding 50 rounds each, alongside thousands of rounds of ammunition.
The largest single cache was found at the Wyandanch residence of Michael Torres. Investigators discovered three kilograms of fentanyl, five kilograms of heroin, one kilogram of cocaine, 2,000 fentanyl pills, and a loaded 9mm handgun lying beside him as he slept. This discovery underscored the brazen disregard for human life exhibited by those involved.
Anthony Dominguez’s Bay Shore home yielded another loaded firearm, seven high-capacity magazines, and 600 grams of cocaine cleverly concealed within a scooter. At Collado’s West Islip residence, investigators found smaller amounts of cocaine and heroin, along with a loaded 9mm pistol.
The investigation didn’t end with drugs and weapons. Searches of Luiggi Peralta’s properties in the Bronx and Lindenhurst uncovered over $10,000 in cash and a money counter, strongly suggesting the funds were directly linked to narcotics proceeds.
The six defendants now face a barrage of serious felony charges, including criminal sale and possession of controlled substances, and conspiracy. Bail has been set between $750,000 and $1.25 million, and each suspect could face decades – even life – in prison.
This takedown represents one of Suffolk County’s most significant narcotics victories in recent years, a powerful demonstration of the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement efforts. Authorities emphasized the sheer lethality of the seized fentanyl, stating it contained enough potency to devastate the entire population of Suffolk County multiple times over.
The case now rests with the county’s Narcotics Bureau, which lauded the outcome as a testament to the precision, patience, and unwavering collaboration of multiple agencies united by a single, critical mission: protecting the people of New York from the escalating threat of fentanyl.
