Federal Investigation Leads to Major Bust of East Coast OxyCodone Distribution Ring

At least three agents of the Transportation Security Administration and two police officers were arrested Monday for their participation in a large OxyCodone smuggling ring that operated between Connecticut, New York and Florida.

The operation, which included a total of 20 arrests, led to the discovery and seizure of thousands of OxyCodone pills that were distributed by traffickers in the Waterbury-area to street level dealers throughout the state.

"The arrests we announce today are part of 'Operation Blue Coast', an investigation that began approximately five months ago," U.S. Attorney David B. Fein said on Monday.

"Included in the charges filed today are three Connecticut-based narcotics traffickers; three drug and cash couriers, two based in New York and one in Florida; three TSA officers, two of whom worked at the Palm Beach International Airport; and two law enforcement officer, one a Westchester County police officer working at the White Plains Airport and the other a state trooper with the Florida State Highway Patrol," Fein said.

"In April, the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force in Bridgeport learned of an individual travelling from Palm Beach to Stamford to distribute a large quantity of oxycodene pills. That individual was later arrested, and 6,000 pills were seized at that time," he said.

Emmanuel Babe, who was arrested by Bridgeport's DEA, confessed to smuggling drugs via airplane and car, and then distributing the drugs to Connecticut-based traffickers. He also admitted that he traveled from Florida to Connecticut several times a week, carrying several thousand pills each time.

According to Fein, this suspect-turned-witness sold the pills at $10 per pill, and would deliver the money back to Florida. His confession led to a full investigation, spearheaded by the DEA and other CT law enforcement agencies. Connecticut law enforcement used techniques such as employing undercover officers and surveillance to assist in the massive anti-drug operation.

One TSA officer, John Best, was recorded telling a trafficker to give him information about his arrival plans in Florida, and that he'd "take care of the rest."

Michael Brady, a Westchester police officer was reportedly paid $25,000 over the course of the conspiracy.

"He was paid $300-600 per trip," Fein said.

Arrested on Monday, the Florida State trooper conspirator traveled to White Plains with his fiancee to protect a "transaction", which he'd done twice in the past. However, his customers were actually two undercover agents.

"The principal traffickers are all based in Waterbury," Fein said.

Fein commended police departments around Connecticut including Stamford Police Department, the state Department of Homeland Security, and Connecticut's DEA for their hard work in securing the arrests.

“This investigation not only uncovered the trafficking of diverted pain medications but also exposed the alleged corrupt activities of two law enforcement officers and employees of the Transportation Safety Administration,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Steven W. Derr.

“Prescription pain medication abuse is rampant in New England and this trafficking group allegedly preyed upon the addictions of individuals to line their pockets, while the law enforcement officers are alleged to have sold their badges and abused their authority to further the illegal activities of the organization,” Derr said.

The following people have been indicted in the case, according to the U.S. Department of Justice:

• Christopher Allen, 45, of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., a TSA officer based at the Palm Beach International Airport. It is alleged that accepted cash payments in exchange for facilitating the transportation of oxycodone through airport security without detection.
• John Best, also known as “JB,” 30, of Port St. Lucie, Fla., a TSA officer based at the Palm Beach International Airport. It is alleged that Best accepted cash payments and a gift card in exchange for facilitating the transportation of oxycodone through airport security without detection.
• Brigitte Jones, 48, of Bronx, N.Y., a TSA officer based at Westchester County Airport. It is alleged that Jones accepted cash payments and a gift card in exchange for facilitating the transportation of oxycodone and narcotics trafficking proceeds through airport security without detection.
• Michael Brady, 36, of New York, a police officer employed by the Westchester County Department of Public Safety. It is alleged that Brady accepted cash payments in both Connecticut and New York in exchange for facilitating the transportation of narcotics trafficking proceeds through Westchester County Airport without detection.
• Justin Kolves, 28, of Florida, a State Trooper employed by the Florida State Highway Patrol. It is alleged that Kolves accepted cash payments and checks in exchange for ensuring that others could transport OxyCodone and drug trafficking proceeds via automobile through a portion of Florida’s highway system without law enforcement interference. It is alleged that Kolves also provided “protection” to the individual who headed the oxycodone trafficking conspiracy during what Kolves believed to be two OxyCodone transactions in Connecticut.
• Jessica Douglas, 28, of Florida. It is alleged that Douglas, who is Kolves’ fiance, assisted the conspiracy, accepted money on Kolves’ behalf and arranged his transportation to Connecticut where Kolves was to provide protection.
• Sami Naber, 51, of Yonkers, N.Y. It is alleged that Naber leased and drove rental vehicles to transport OxyCodone from New York to Connecticut, narcotics trafficking proceeds from Connecticut to New York, and also to Florida. It is also alleged that he exchanged small denominations of U.S. currency for larger denominations in order to facilitate the transportation of bulk cash.
• Emmanuel Babe, also known as “Manny,” 38, of Mount Kisco, N.Y. It is alleged that Babe transported OxyCodone from Florida to Connecticut and narcotics trafficking proceeds from Connecticut to Florida.
• Wilner Castelin, also known as “Castro,” 42, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. It is alleged that Castelin transported OxyCodone from Florida to Connecticut and narcotics trafficking proceeds from Connecticut to Florida.
• Bruce Yazdzik, also known as “YB,” 28, of Waterbury; David Gaudiosi, also known as “Wade,” 26, of Waterbury; and Patrick Serafine, 26, of Waterbury, who are each alleged to have purchased large quantities of OxyCodone from members of the conspiracy, which they then distributed to street-level narcotics dealers.
• Marivette Alicea, 21, of Waterbury; Christopher Roderick, 31, of Canterbury; Steven Stopper, 46, of Naugatuck; and Kevn Lind, 38, of Naugatuck, who also are alleged to have been involved in the illegal purchase and distribution of OxyCodone.

If convicted of the charge of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute OxyCodone, each defendant faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $1 million.

In addition, Bernard Famiglietti, 49, of Watebury, and Sandra Canfield, 30, of Waterbury, were arrested during the course of the investigation and charged with possession with intent to distribute OxyCodone, a charge that also carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $1 million.