A major trafficker of heroin to Otsego County has been arrested.

Edgar Joe Montes, 34, of the Bronx has been indicted by the Otsego County Grand Jury on the following charges:

1) Operating as a major trafficker, class A felony.
2) Criminal sale of a controlled substance, class B felony.
3) Criminal Possession of a controlled substance, class B felony.

Edgar Montes/Otsego County Sheriff's Department
Edgar Montes/Otsego County Sheriff's Department
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The arrest comes as a result of a three year investigation, known as "Operation Dial Tone," into heroin trafficking in Otsego County. The investigation was conducted by the Otsego County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division, the Albany DEA District Office, and the Oneonta Police Department Detective Bureau.

The investigation has led to the arrest of eighteen individuals and the seizure of over $20,000 cash, approximately 1,000 packets of heroin, drug packaging materials, electronic scales, small quantities of other drugs, and electronic devices.

Sheriff Devlin said," Because of the size and scope of the activity investigated, we feel confident that not only the communities of Otsego County, but many other communities across the state, will benefit."

Oneonta PD Chief Dennis Naylor comments," Those individuals wishing to be involved in the drug trade in the City of Oneonta or anywhere else in Otsego County will hopefully realize that it will only be a matter of time before they are arrested and sent to prison."

DEA Special Agent in Charge, Brian Crowell, stated," Getting heroin out of the hands of our youth and arresting those responsible for its distribution is our top priority and I commend the men and women of the DEA Albany, Otsego County Office of the Sheriff, Oneonta PD, and other assisting agencies for their diligent work."

Montes faces up to thirty six years in prison if convicted, and is currently remanded to the Otsego County Correctional Facility on $500,000 bail. The case will be prosecuted by District Attorney John M. Muehl.

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