5 Arrested In Rockland County DA Drug Task Force Sting

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — A multi-agency task force is reporting a major drug bust in Rockland County.

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II said five men have been charged with selling crack cocaine and powder cocaine after a five-month long investigation by the DA's Office Drug Task Force into narcotics sales in the Village of Spring Valley, the Town of Haverstraw, and the Town of Ramapo.

Jose Pena of Garnerville, Mario Amaya of Spring Valley, Daquan Leary of Suffern, Eric Hayden of Pomona, and Jonathan Albizures of Spring Valley have all been indicted and arrested for third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and third degree criminal sale of a controlled substance.

"I commend the professionalism and thorough investigation conducted by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force, which works closely with our partners on the local, state, and federal level to hold any individual accountable for selling illegal narcotics on our streets," the district attorney said. "The arrest and indictments of these alleged drug dealers is a critical step in our ongoing fight to protect our residents and keep the community safe."

"To anyone who is struggling with addiction, help is available," he added. "Any individual dealing with substance abuse can walk into any Rockland County police station and ask for the 'Hope Not Handcuffs' program, no questions will be asked, and a call will be made to an 'angel' volunteer from the Hope Not Handcuffs – Hudson Valley team who will actively seek out a treatment plan."

The Rockland County DA's Office Drug Task Force mission is focused on combating open air and street-level narcotics dealing in the county. It is composed of seasoned prosecutors and DA investigators, and police officers from the Clarkstown Police Department, the Orangetown Police Department, and the Town of Haverstraw Police Department who work closely with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to combat drug distribution and related violence in the county.