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Press Release

Buffalo Man Arrested On Fentanyl Charges

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of New York

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Luis Matias, of Buffalo, 27, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute; and to distribute, butyryl fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, butyryl fentanyl. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in July 2017, law enforcement officers developed information that the defendant was distributing large quantities of heroin in the Buffalo area. During the investigation, a confidential source and undercover officers were used to conduct controlled heroin purchases from Matias.

The criminal complaint is the culmination of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Edward Kennedy; and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda.

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. 

Updated September 11, 2017