Two Glendale men were arrested for conspiring to sell drugs throughout Queens, prosecutors announced on Thursday.
Douglas “Dougie” Marra, 34, and Joseph “Max B” McClean, 34, were indicted on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl between January 2018 and September 2018. The two defendants are allegedly linked to an overdose in Queens.
If convicted, both Marra and McClean face a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment and a maximum of life imprisonment.
“As alleged, the defendants repeatedly sold heroin and fentanyl, seeking to profit from these highly addictive and potentially lethal drugs,” stated United States Attorney Richard P. Donoghue. “With today’s arrests, the defendants will be held accountable for contributing to the opioid epidemic plaguing our communities.”
According to charges, in January 2018, the NYPD and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) began to investigate a heroin and fentanyl drug trafficking organization in Queens. Shortly after someone died of an overdose in Queens, authorities interviewed a witness who stated that the victim got heroin from “Dougie,” and that “Dougie” worked with “Max B.”
A search of the victim’s cellphone found that the victim had contact information for both Marra and McClean.
Law enforcement then set up a series of undercover drug transactions with Marra. During one of the transactions, Marra allegedly told the undercover officer “This stuff is hot. My friend died off of it.”
Ultimately, prosecutors said, Marra was unable to provide the drugs, and McClean directed other drug supplies to complete the transaction.
“Our communities have been plagued with fentanyl related deaths, and it is because of individuals like those arrested today, those who prey on vulnerabilities with no regard for life,” stated HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Angel M. Melendez. “McClean and Marra are now in custody, unable to keep pushing these deadly drugs as alleged, and law enforcement will continue working opioid investigations and removing relentless drug dealers from our city streets.”
