KINGSTON – An investigation that began in July 2019 into a Middletown drug trafficking organization’s efforts to expand their territory into Ulster County has culminated with the arrests of six people and the seize of large quantities of drugs.
During the investigation involving the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team, Middletown City Police and several federal agencies, it was determined the organization was responsible for the sale and distribution of some 855 grams of crack cocaine, 277 grams of cocaine, 140 grams of heroin and fentanyl, and 14 grams of MDMA in Orange and Ulster counties.
In September 2020, law enforcement executive a search warrant on the home of Frank Brown in the City of Middletown. In the same month, all agencies along with Newburgh City Police conducted enforcement operations and executed arrest warrants in Newburgh and Middletown. Those operations resulted in the seizure of narcotics, drug packaging material, a handgun, and just under $40,000 in cash.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities probe the drug organization’s connection to gun violence in the City of Middletown.
Additional arrests are anticipated, authorities said.
In addition to URGENT, Middletown and Newburgh city police, the investigation included the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Arrested on drug possession and related charges were Pedro Rainey, 48, of Newburgh; Frank Brown, 47, of Middletown; Tanya Brown, 36, of Middletown; Keith Glover, 29, of Utica; Joseph Scott, 38, of Middletown; and Raymond Brown, 48, of Newburgh.
All but Tanya Brown were remanded to the federal detention facility in White Plains.
NEWS STORY PROVIDED BY: Mid Hudson News -www.midhudsonnews.com