A months-long federal drug investigation in Buffalo, Cheektowaga, and North Tonawanda led to the indictment of 13 people suspected of running two different drug trafficking organizations involving cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana, and firearms.
Federal agents executed synchronized search warrants on June 25th, seizing illegal drugs, guns, and ammunition from several sites while dismantling what prosecutors describe as organized trafficking operations.
Terrence Phillips, Alexis Rivera, Jamel Joshua Cunningham, Rokym Knox, Kyle Phillips, Daija Mellerson, Alazee Smith, Ashley Johnson, and Fernando Mercado-Vazquez have been charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl, according to U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. Prosecutors claim the group trafficked drugs from homes on West Avenue in Buffalo and Cleveland Drive in Cheektowaga beginning in September 2025 while also using guns. Several individuals are additionally charged with cocaine trafficking, maintaining drug premises, and unlawful firearm possession.
A second indictment accuses Omar Ali, Kairo Machado-Arguedas, Luthor Jones, and Ahmad Elabed of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 kg of marijuana. Prosecutors claim that the operation began in December 2025 and operated from properties on Connecticut Street in Buffalo and Sweeney Street in North Tonawanda, with members also carrying weapons.
If convicted, defendants in the cocaine and fentanyl conspiracy risk a required minimum of five years in federal prison and a maximum of forty years. The marijuana conspiracy charge carries a potential sentence of 20 years.
“These arrests result from an FBI Safe Streets Task Force investigation undertaken pursuant to the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative, which was established to, in part, rid our communities of dangerous drug traffickers who fill our streets with narcotics that too often have tragic consequences, including death,” said U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “All too often, these drug traffickers use firearms and other forms of violence to hold our community hostage. ” This action resulted in 13 fewer traffickers on the streets.”
DiGiacomo remarked, “That’s 13 drug dealers who are no longer in business.”
Allen D. Davis II, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office, stated that the investigation underscores the agency’s dedication to removing violent offenders from Western New York.
“This operation highlights FBI Buffalo’s unwavering commitment to protecting Western New York communities,” Davis added. “Along with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, FBI Buffalo removed firearms, drugs, and dangerous criminals from Buffalo neighborhoods. Our work, however, is not done. As part of Operation Summer Heat, the FBI Buffalo is expanding its resources throughout Western New York to identify, investigate, and hold violent criminals accountable for endangering our communities’ safety.”
Davis continued.
“Over the next three months, the FBI Buffalo will surge resources alongside our federal, state, and local partners to identify, investigate, and arrest violent criminals that threaten the safety of our communities.”
According to federal officials, Operation Summer Heat continues.
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