Albany, NY – In a sweeping pre-dawn operation, Albany Police, in collaboration with federal and regional law enforcement, arrested six individuals and seized a cache of firearms and drugs across multiple locations on Wednesday, August 6.
Multi-Agency Operation Targets Gun and Drug Activity
The coordinated effort, which began at 6:05 a.m., involved the FBI, ATF, New York State Police, and several local departments, including Colonie, Rensselaer, and Watervliet Police. The Capital Region Crime Analysis Center also supported the investigation.
CBS6 reported that the authorities executed multiple search warrants in Albany and Watervliet, targeting individuals suspected of illegal weapons and narcotics activity.
Weapons and Drugs Seized Across Multiple Locations
Watervliet Avenue near Garfield Place:
- Loaded .22 Caliber Revolver
- Loaded 9mm Handgun (stolen from Orlando, FL)
- Loaded .22 Caliber Handgun (stolen from Kenansville, NC)
Arrests:
- Omari Lounds, 19: Multiple firearm and weapon charges, plus possession of stolen property. Bail: $15,000
- Zafarie Tarver, 20: Facing identical charges to Lounds. Bail: $5,000
- Christopher Cancer, 22: Facing five counts of third-degree and three counts of second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, and stolen property charges.
Lexington Avenue near Sheridan Avenue:
- Loaded Revolver
- Defaced 12-Gauge Shotgun
- Quantity of Crack Cocaine
Arrests:
- Demani Carrion, 20: Weapon charges
- Keylonne Williams, 20: Firearm and drug charges, including third- and fifth-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Bail: $10,000
Additional Searches:
- Thornton Street near Livingston Avenue: 12-Gauge Shotgun
- 400 Block of First Avenue in Watervliet: AK-style Pistol
Arrest:
- Marshall Gause, 19: Charged by Watervliet PD with Possession of a Weapon
Dangers of Drug and Firearms Trafficking
The presence of defaced firearms, stolen weapons, and crack cocaine illustrates the intersection of narcotics and illegal arms within urban communities. Officials warn that these operations are often linked to larger criminal networks, posing a serious threat to public safety.
Criminal possession of weapons—especially stolen or defaced firearms—amplifies the risk of violent crime. Authorities stress the importance of collaborative law enforcement to disrupt these networks.
Ongoing Investigations and Legal Proceedings
All six individuals were arraigned in Albany City Criminal Court and remanded to Albany County Jail. Charges range from firearm possession to narcotics distribution. Some of the firearms seized are being traced by federal authorities to determine their origin and potential criminal ties.
How do you feel about the surge in illegal firearms and drug activity in cities? Share your perspective in the comments below.
