A federal grand jury in Buffalo, New York, has indicted seven individuals for their involvement in a narcotics conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. The indictment includes charges related to distributing large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.
The defendants named in the indictment are Winnie Taru Woods, also known as Ru, 50, from Buffalo; Sharron McCullough, also known as Black, 34, from Brooklyn, NY; Marlon Holt, Jr., also known as Scooter or Professor, 51, from Buffalo; Norman Patillo, 44, from Houston, Texas; Gary Sudesh Gosine, Sr., 50, a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago; Ian Dyer, 25, from Austin, Texas; and Shannell Gosine, 27, from Baytown, Texas.
Woods, McCullough, and Holt are additionally charged with possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The defendants could face a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who is overseeing the case, stated that the indictment outlines a conspiracy spanning from April 2023 to February 2025. During this period, Woods and McCullough allegedly purchased narcotics from Mexican cartels for sale in Buffalo, New York City, and elsewhere. Gary Sudesh Gosine, Sr. is identified as a supplier in Mexico. The other defendants allegedly facilitated the transport of narcotics and currency across various states.
The defendants have been arraigned, with Woods, McCullough, Gary Sudesh Gosine, Sr., and Patillo detained, while Holt, Dyer, and Shannell Gosine were released on conditions.
U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo commented, "This case falls within the parameters of Operation Take Back America." The initiative focuses on eliminating cartels to protect communities, according to DiGiacomo.
HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan added, "As alleged, the defendants conspired with Mexican cartels to traffic deadly narcotics into the U.S., across the country and into our New York communities."
The indictment results from an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other agencies. The charges brought against the defendants are accusations, and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
