By Hank Russell
A Selden man was indicted for allegedly possessing approximately seven kilograms of controlled substances, including fentanyl, cocaine, ketamine, and MDMA. According to Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said there was enough fentanyl to “kill millions” of people.
On February 17, Suffolk County police officers responded to a residence in East Patchogue after receiving a call about two individuals found unconscious from a possible drug overdose. Upon arrival, one victim was pronounced dead and the other was transported to NYU Langone Hospital in Patchogue. Police recovered from the scene two distinctive glass vials, each containing a powder, as well as two cellular telephones. Upon investigation into one of the telephones, police were able to determine the phone number of the person who had allegedly sold the deadly narcotics to the decedent.
On February 20, an undercover SCPD detective was able to contact Phillip Gonzalez using the number retrieved from the decedent’s phone and arranged for the sale of narcotics. Gonzalez allegedly instructed the undercover detective to meet him at a location in Selden. The detective travelled to the pre-arranged meeting location, and while there, Gonzalez allegedly sold the detective a quantity of powder cocaine.
The detective called Gonzalez again on February 24 and arranged for the sale of cocaine. Gonzalez allegedly instructed the undercover detective to go to the same location as last time.
On February 26, members of the SCPD executed a court-authorized search warrant at Gonzalez’s rental home located in Selden, close to where the undercover drug transactions occurred. Allegedly recovered from Gonzalez’s residence were over four-and-a-half kilograms of fentanyl, enough to kill over 2.2 million people. Of the four-and-a-half kilograms containing fentanyl, over two-and-a-half kilograms also contained Xylazine.
Xylazine, commonly known as “Tranq,” is a powerful sedative, commonly used by veterinarians to tranquilize large livestock. It is used by drug dealers as a “cutting agent” to increase their profits from the sale of drugs. Despite legislative efforts championed by Tierney, Xylazine is still currently legal to possess and sell in New York State unless, as it was here, it is mixed with other illicit narcotics.
Also allegedly recovered from Gonzalez’s residence was over one-and-a-half kilograms of crystal meth, approximately 223 grams of a mixture commonly referred to as “Tusi” or “Pink Cocaine,” which consists of ketamine and MDMA (commonly known as “ecstasy” or “molly,” a synthetic drug that acts as a stimulant and psychedelic, illegally used for its euphoric effects). Also allegedly recovered were 40,820 milligrams of ketamine, 234 grams of cocaine, and five boxes comprised of hundreds of vials containing fentanyl and “Tusi.” These vials appeared to match the vials allegedly recovered from the overdose location in East Patchogue.
Additionally, two loaded and operable handguns, an extended magazine, and drug paraphernalia, including digital scales used to weigh and distribute narcotics, were also allegedly recovered at Gonzalez’s residence.
In total, as a result of this investigation conducted by the Suffolk County Police Department and District Attorney’s Office, nearly seven kilograms of narcotic drugs and illicit substances, which had a street value of over $360,000, were confiscated and removed from the streets of Suffolk County.
Gonzalez will be arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice John B. Collins on April 6 for the following charges:
- one count of Operating as a Major Trafficker, a Class A-1 felony
- two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-1 felony
- one count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, a Class A-II felony
- one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, a Class A-II felony
- three counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B felony
- eight counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B felony
- two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony
- two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree, a Class C felony
- one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a Class D violent felony
- two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree, a Class D felony
- one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class A misdemeanor
- one count of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor
“The quantity of fentanyl recovered was so large that it had the potential to kill millions, underscoring the danger posed by those who traffic in this poison,” Tierney said. “My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable anyone who profits from fueling the opioid crisis. We remain committed to protecting our communities and sending a clear message that this kind of conduct will not be tolerated.”
Collins ordered Gonzalez remanded until April 6. He faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted on the top count.