A Buffalo man has been arrested on federal gun and drug charges following an investigation into a fatal overdose at Sisters of Charity Hospital in February 2025. Tehran Muhammad, 40, faces charges of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. These charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Buffalo Police began investigating after an individual was found unresponsive in a hospital bathroom on February 13, 2025. Burned tinfoil with suspected fentanyl was located near the victim, who died the next day from anoxic brain injury due to drug intoxication and overdose.
Investigators examined medical records, phone data, and surveillance footage. They determined that the victim had communicated with someone known as “Cuzo Dope,” later identified as Muhammad, about purchasing drugs on February 12 and 13, 2025. Evidence showed both individuals were near the hospital around the time of the overdose. Authorities also conducted two controlled purchases from Muhammad during their investigation.
On February 27, 2026, law enforcement executed search warrants at Muhammad’s residence on Seminole Parkway. They seized a rifle, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia. Records show that Muhammad was previously convicted in 2005 for attempted burglary and rape, making it illegal for him to possess firearms.
Muhammad appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and is being held pending a detention hearing scheduled for March 4 before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder Jr.
The case is being investigated by the DEA’s New York Field Division under Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam and the Buffalo Police Department led by Commissioner Craig Macy.
“The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.”
