Authorities Arrest Traffickers in Major Queens Drug Bust

Nov. 7, 2019 By Christian Murray

Authorities have arrested the leader of a massive drug ring that involved the hauling of fentanyl, cocaine and heroin across the country in long-haul trucks to deals taking place in Woodside, Springfield Gardens and throughout Queens.

Giovanny Arias, 49, of White Plains was indicted Oct. 21 and faces an array of drug trafficking and distribution charges, according to the Queens District Attorney’s office. Ten other members of the ring have been arrested over the course of the investigation.

This bust comes on the heels of a two-year investigation, where police recovered six firearms, 68 pounds of cocaine, 50 pounds of fentanyl, 8 pounds of heroin and 11 pounds of carfentanil, a synthetic opioid deemed 100 times more potent than fentanyl. The investigation involved court-authorized wiretaps, surveillance and other investigative tools.

“The main defendant in this case operated a complicated illegal network of dealers and traffickers, who pumped deadly drugs which continue to contribute to the opioid epidemic in our communities,” said Acting District Attorney John M. Ryan. “This long-term investigation has dismantled this drug peddling crew and also resulted in taking deadly drugs and firearms off our streets.”

The investigation began with the arrest of Julian Tovar, 31, who was alleged to be both a drug dealer and trafficker. On May 3, 2018, police searched his Woodside apartment and recovered 5 handguns, large capacity ammunition-feeding magazines, 2 pounds of cocaine and $11,000 cash. They also uncovered an AK-47 assault weapon from a secret compartment in his car.

Tovar, who allegedly worked with Arias to traffic drugs, was charged on an array of weapons and drug charges on May 5 but was released on $5,000 bail. He failed to return to Queens Criminal Court and a warrant is out for his arrest.

Arias and his co-defendants, according to the charges, allegedly operated a nationwide drug enterprise utilizing long-haul truck drivers who transported drugs from the southern border of California to New York City, including Queens.

The drivers of those long-haul trucks were also indicted and various local traffickers were also charged.
Arias allegedly directed drivers to make pick up and drops offs within the Tri-state area. Drivers were stopped and arrested at various locations—including on the Van Wyck Expressway service road at Jewel Avenue to an Astoria street.

Arias is being held on remand and is schedule to reappear on Nov. 21. He faces up to 25 year to life in prison.

Faina Franco Posada, 43 of Elmhurst and Armando de Jesus Moreno-Perez, 55 of East Elmhurst are among the 11 individuals that were charged,