ALBANY, N.Y. – The Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) announced the largest seizure of fentanyl powder in its history, resulting in 17 arrests and charges for 125 crimes, including drug trafficking and weapons possession.
Massive Seizures Across Central New York
The operation targeted a drug trafficking network distributing fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine across Onondaga, Oneida, Madison, Cortland, and Tompkins counties.
The task force seized:
- 23 pounds of fentanyl worth over $625,000
- Nearly 4 pounds of cocaine valued at $125,000
- Over 12 pounds of methamphetamine worth more than $32,000
- $880,000 in cash, three illegal firearms, and two vehicles used for distribution
Authorities warn that 23 pounds of fentanyl is enough to kill one person every six seconds for an entire year.
Investigation Details
The investigation, spanning September 2024 through May 2025, centered on Jaquan Jones, a/k/a “Flame”, 31, of Syracuse. Jones allegedly purchased drugs from Antonio Sanchez and distributed them to a network of dealers, including:
- Etiem Berrios, Ronnie Evanciew, Tyler Forshee, Joshua Goyette, Gary Jordan, Cody Lane, Nicole Lighthall, Autumn Schneider, Heather Sharpsteen, Joshua Stimpson, Zachary Thornhill, Amanda Valenti
Jones coordinated sales via text message, using codewords for drugs: “soft” for cocaine, “fet” or “fetty” for fentanyl, and “ice” for methamphetamine.
Authorities recovered 22 pounds of fentanyl and 12 ounces of cocaine from a Syracuse garage linked to Jones, while a search of Sanchez’s apartment in Onondaga County uncovered fentanyl mixed with heroin and ketamine, as well as scales, glassine, and cutting agents, according to the reports.
Arrested Individuals and Charges
The 17 defendants face multiple charges including Criminal Sale and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (class A, B, and C felonies), as well as Conspiracy to commit these crimes:
- Jaquan T. Jones, a/k/a “Flame,” 31, Syracuse, NY – Operating as a Major Trafficker
- Joshua J. Stimpson, 29, Bridgeport, NY – Operating as a Major Trafficker
- Etiem M. Berrios, 45, Syracuse, NY
- Chase Cahoon, 39, Rome, NY
- Cory M. Ching, 32, Poland, NY
- Ronnie R. Evanciew, 29, Taberg, NY
- Tyler J. Forshee, 30, Cortland, NY
- Joshua B. Goyette, 47, Freeville, NY
- Gary M. Jordan, 53, Rome, NY
- Cody E. Lane, 29, Rome, NY
- Nicole E. Lighthall, 29, Forestport, NY
- Alexander Medina, 24, Syracuse, NY
- Antonio Sanchez, 37, New Rochelle, NY
- Autumn R. Schneider, 28, Bridgeport, NY
- Heather R. Sharpsteen, 39, Groton, NY
- Zachary M. Thornhill, 36, Liverpool, NY
- Amanda L. Valenti, 41, Genoa, NY
Law Enforcement Statements
Attorney General James said:
“Traffickers who flood our communities with fentanyl and other drugs are threatening the progress New York has made in reducing overdoses. Thanks to the hard work of this investigation and our law enforcement partners, we took more than five million deadly doses of fentanyl off our streets. We will continue to use every resource at our disposal to dismantle these destructive drug trafficking rings.”
Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile added:
“Law enforcement is never stronger than when we work as a team. I thank the Attorney General’s office and all our partners throughout the state for collaborating to make our communities safer.”
Community Awareness
Residents are urged to:
- Report suspicious activity to local authorities
- Stay vigilant in neighborhoods and communities
- Support programs aimed at preventing drug trafficking
Join the Conversation
What do you think about the impact of fentanyl and other narcotics on communities in Central New York? Share your thoughts in the comments below and help raise awareness.
