Galwayman arrested in major cocaine bust in New York

A Galwayman is in a county jail in New York, accused of being involved in the sale of large amounts of cocaine and facing a sentence of up to 40 years if convicted.

Police found half a kilo of cocaine (worth $46,000) and $23,000 in cash when they searched the home of 39-year-old Fintan Russell at Port Chester. They also seized three vehicles during the operation.

He was not in the property at the time of the search – his car was being followed by members of the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET).

A spokesperson for the State Police told the Connacht Tribune that when CNET attempted to pull his car over, Russell fled, which resulted in a pursuit and crash and he subsequently resisted arrest.

Russell, who goes by the first name ‘Finn’ in the US, is originally from Knocknacarra in Galway.

Details of the two-month investigation and the arrest on June 5 only emerged last weekend when an announcement was made by NY State Police.

He is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, both felony offences which each carry sentences of at least eight years and not more than 20 years under New York Penal Law. He is also charged with resisting arrest.

Russell is being held in Westchester County Jail without bail awaiting his next court appearance on October 2. It’s understood the option for bail was not given due to the extremely serious nature of the charges. He is also facing charges of criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and leaving the scene of an accident.

Major Richard L Mazzone of NY State Police said: “Throughout the Spring of 2018, CNET conducted a narcotics investigation in the area of the village Port Chester which revealed Russell was heavily involved in the sale and distribution of large amounts of cocaine in lower Westchester County and Connecticut.”

It’s understood Russell had been working as a real estate agent and also owned a car valeting business.

Port Chester is a village in Westchester County, north of New York City.