Teen Drug Supplier Indicted For Laced Opioids: Queens DA

QUEENS, NY — A five month drug sting has resulted in the indictment of a Flushing teenage drug supplier found with guns and more than 1,000 opioids laced with fentanyl, announced Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz’s office Wednesday.

Justin Echeverry, 19, stands accused of selling Percocet and laced oxycodone in Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst and Downtown Flushing, prosecutors announced.

Investigators who searched the Flushing teen's home on Aug. 31 also found an assault weapon, three other guns and more than $12,000 in cash, said prosecutors.

Katz said the drug bust comes at a time when Queens is reeling from a drug crisis.

“As alleged, this defendant flooded our streets with deadly fentanyl by selling the pills as prescription narcotics,” Katz said in a statement.

“The defendant also stands accused of possessing an arsenal of illegal guns, having sold one loaded firearm to a buyer without proper permits or security requirements.”

Katz noted there have been 206 suspected fatal overdose cases in Queens this year, an estimated 51 percent increase from the same time period.

Approximately 77 percent of those deaths were linked to fentanyl, Katz added.

If convicted, Echeverry could face 20 years in prison on a 15-count indictment that includes criminal possession of controlled substances and weapons.

The Flushing teen is expected back in court Oct. 12.

“The defendant is now in custody and will be held to account for his criminal actions,” Katz said.