Thirteen individuals have been charged in two separate indictments for narcotics conspiracy in the Western District of New York, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today. The charges stem from investigations by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, part of the broader Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative aimed at combating drug trafficking and associated violence.
The first indictment names Terrence Phillips, Alexis Rivera, Jamel Joshua Cunningham, Rokym Knox, Kyle Phillips, Daija Mellerson, Alazee Smith, Ashley Johnson, and Fernando Mercado-Vazquez. They are accused of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and distribute controlled substances, including cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl, beginning in September 2025. The conspiracy allegedly utilized residences on West Avenue in Buffalo and Cleveland Drive in Cheektowaga, with members also using firearms. Some defendants face additional charges, including possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
A second indictment charges Omar Ali, Kairo Machado-Arguedas, Luthor Jones, and Ahmad Elabed with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 50 kilograms or more of marijuana, starting in December 2025. These defendants allegedly conducted their drug trafficking activities from residences on Connecticut Street in Buffalo and Sweeney Street in North Tonawanda, also utilizing firearms. Additional charges include maintaining a drug-involved premises and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo said these arrests are a result of efforts to "rid our communities of dangerous drug traffickers who fill our streets with narcotics that too often have tragic consequences, including death." He added, "All too often, these drug traffickers rely on firearms and other acts of violence to hold our community hostage. This effort means there are now 13 less traffickers on the streets."
Allen D. Davis II, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office, highlighted the FBI's commitment to protecting Western New York. He said, "Working alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, FBI Buffalo removed guns, drugs, and violent criminals from Buffalo neighborhoods." Davis also noted that "Operation Summer Heat" involves surging resources to identify and prosecute violent criminals. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch and involved numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.