23 defendants were charged with transporting drugs from Puerto Rico and NYC to Western New York.
23 individuals were arrested and charged for their participation in two drug trafficking rings operating in the New York area. The defendants transported heroin and cocaine from Puerto Rico into Western New York and NYC. There were two investigations that aided in the apprehension of the 23 defendants.
The first investigation was named “Operation Package” and the second “Operation Transport”. During both investigations, 12 kilos of cocaine and 2 kilos of heroin were found. Both cocaine and heroin held a total value of $1.3 million. Both investigations were comprised of the NY State Organized Crime Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the DEA Buffalo Task Force, and the New York State Police Investigations Unit. The investigations took roughly 17 months to complete. During the investigation it was uncovered that Reinaldo Martinez Jr., mailed kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to two drug traffickers operating in western New York. The investigation codenamed “Operation Packages” started with Kevin Martinez.
Due to the help of electronic surveillance, it was revealed that Kevin Martinez sold heroin and cocaine from an anonymous address on Walden Avenue in Buffalo. The defendant arranged for cocaine to be mailed in packages from Puerto Rico to numerous locations in Buffalo. Kevin’s cousin, Reinaldo Martinez, allegedly mailed kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to his brother Gabriel Martinez and to other relatives. It was discovered that a man named Julio Resto was the main individual responsible for obtaining heroin for the group. In addition, Police found a vehicle containing a “trap” which held two kilograms of heroin, that had a street value of over $400,000. This vehicle was stopped in Buffalo right before the drugs were delivered to Resto.
Wiretapped surveillance caught several conversations between Resto and Alvin Santiago. Alvin Santiago was a NYC trafficker who was prepping for Resto’s transport. A search was conducted at the Landon Street residence in Buffalo. Half a kilogram of cocaine, two loaded firearms, and $17,360 in cash were found.
In the second investigation, “Operation Transport,” the investigation started with Steven Gonzalez. Steven Gonzalez was selling heroin from multiple different locations on the west side of Buffalo. With the assistance of electronic surveillance, it was discovered that Heriberto Rivera was providing cocaine and heroin to Steven Gonzalez. Rivera’s main supplier of heroin would provide narcotics to Geral Batista and Argely Martinez. The two would then transport the heroin from New York City into the Western New York area. Police confiscated $82,000 that was secured in a hidden compartment in the vehicle driven by Geral Batista and Argely Martinez.
The investigation into Rivera ultimately directed law enforcement back to Reinaldo Martinez, Jr. It was uncovered that Reinaldo Martinez, Jr. and Jose Mendez worked together in the operation of mailing drugs from Puerto Rico to numerous locations in the New York region. Many of the packages mailed out were intercepted by the U.S Postal Inspector. One shipment that was intercepted contained 3,005 grams of cocaine. Two other packages that were intercepted contained 1,989 and 2,006 grams of cocaine.
The indictment in the “Operation Packages” investigation charged 15 individuals with crimes involving their participation in the drug trafficking operation. Some of the crimes include, operating as a major trafficker, numerous counts of criminal sale, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and conspiracy to commit those crimes. Out of the 15 defendants, 14 were arraigned and 10 pleaded guilty.
The indictment in the “Operation Transport” investigation charged 8 individuals with crimes involving their participation in the drug trafficking operation. Some of the crimes include, operating as a major trafficker, numerous counts of criminal sale, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and conspiracy to commit those crimes.
The individuals charged in the “Operation Packages” indictment include Kevin Martinez, Gabriel Martinez Rosa, Alvin Santiago Santiago, Reinaldo Martinez, Alexander Martinez, Luis Martinez Sabater, Edgardo Martinez, Reynaldo Martinez, Danex Martinez, Julio Resto, Michael Pagan, Gualbert Alvarez, Demario Boler, Bryan Garcia, and Jorge Rosa Garcia.
The individuals charged in the “Operation Transport” indictment include Steven Gonzalez, Heriberto Rivera, Reinaldo Martinez Jr., Jose Mendez, Reinaldo Martinez Sr., Barbara Martinez, Geral Batista, and Argely Martinez.
The defendants have not been convicted of the charges brought against them. The defendants will remain innocent until proven guilty under a court of law.
The investigation relating to “Operation Packages” was directed by OCTF Special Investigator Daniel Redmond, under the supervision of OCTF Supervising Investigator Peter J. Talty, as well as DEA Buffalo Resident Office Group D-57 of the DEA’s New York Division.
The investigation relating to “Operation Transport” was directed by OCTF Special Investigator Ever Quinones, under the supervision of OCTF Supervising Investigator Peter J. Talty and Assistant Chief John Sullivan, the New York State Police Special Investigations Unit, DEA Buffalo Resident Office Group D-57 of the DEA’s New York Division, and the U.S. Postal Inspector’s Office Investigator Joshua Burch. The cases are being prosecuted by OCTF Assistant Deputy Attorneys General Patricia I. Carrington and Wendy R. Whiting, under the supervision of OCTF Deputy Chief Maria Moran.
Kevin Martinez, 24 years old;
Gabriel Martinez Rosa, 29 years old;
Alvin Santiago Santiago, aka Alexander Eglis Grateral-Duran, aka Victor Nieves, aka Julio Cesar Riascoes-Bolanos, 36 years old;
Reinaldo Martinez, aka “Gordo”, 35 years old;
Alexander Martinez, 30 years old;
Luis Martinez Sabater, 59 years old;
Edgardo Martinez, 55 years old;
Reynaldo Martinez, 54 years old;
Danex Martinez, 22 years old;
Julio Resto, aka “Benny”, 47 years old;
Michael Pagan, 19 years old;
Gualbert Alvarez, aka “Luisy”, 23 years old;
Demario Boler, 40 years old;
Bryan Garcia, 23 years old; and
Jorge Rosa Garcia, 32 years old.
Steven Gonzalez, 43 years old,
Heriberto Rivera, 47 years old,
Reinaldo Martinez, Jr. aka “Gordo,” 35 years old,
Jose Mendez, 26 years old,
Reinaldo Martinez, Sr., aka Reynaldo Martinez, 54 years old,
Barbara Martinez, 39 years old,
Geral Batista, 29 years old,
Argely Martinez, 30 years old
