PATCHOGUE MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF A WEAPON AND CRIMINAL SALE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE FOR SELLING FENTANYL

(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Randheer Shewprashad, 25, of Patchogue, pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree for selling fentanyl to an undercover officer, as well as illegally possessing a gun.

“This case again highlights the inherently dangerous nature of the illicit drug world, where dealers brazenly carry weapons to ensure protection of themselves, their proceeds, and their product,” said District Attorney Tierney. “In this case, not even a pending upstate sentence deterred this defendant from continuing with business as usual.”

“To state it simply, fentanyl and guns are two of the most deadly weapons used by drug traffickers. Today’s plea underscores the consequences of drug trafficking on our streets to include unprecedented levels of drug poisonings and drug-related violence,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “I applaud the diligent work by the undercover officers, DEA’s Long Island District Office, Suffolk County Police Department and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office throughout this investigation.”

According to the investigation, court documents, and the defendant’s statements during his plea allocution, undercover officers purchased cocaine and fentanyl from Shewprashad on two separate dates between March and April 2023. On May 4, 2023, Shewprashad was arrested after the Suffolk County Police Department executed a search warrant at his Patchogue residence. During the search of Shewprashad’s home, police recovered a quantity of cocaine and fentanyl and two semi-automatic handguns.

On June 22, 2023, Shewprashad pleaded guilty on that case before Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Timothy A. Mazzei on June 22, 2023, to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree in exchange for a determinate sentence of five years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision.

While out awaiting sentence on those charges, members of the Suffolk County Police Department, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration purchased cocaine and fentanyl from Shewprashad on three separate dates between October and November 2023. Shewprashad was arrested on November 21, 2023, after which police executed a search warrant at his Mastic residence. During the search of that residence, police recovered another semi-automatic firearm. Police subsequently executed another search warrant at Shewprashad’s Patchogue residence, during which they recovered a quantity of cocaine, as well as fentanyl mixed with xylazine.

Xylazine, also known as “Tranq,” is a non-opioid veterinary tranquilizer not approved for human use.  Xylazine is increasingly being found in the illegal drug supply, particulary mixed with fentanyl, and is linked to overdose deaths. Currently in New York, xylazine is neither restricted nor illegal. District Attorney Tierney is advocating for lawmakers to pass legislation that will make xylazine illegal.

On January 18, 2024, Shewprashad pleaded guilty before Justice Mazzei, to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, an A-2 felony, in exchange for a determinate sentence of five years in prison followed by three years of post-release supervision. The sentences for the two cases will run consecutively, for a total of 10 years in prison followed by eight years of post-release supervison. Shewprashad is due back in court for sentencing on March 13, 2024. He is being represented by Matthew Rosenblum, Esq.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Nicholas Maggio of the Narcotics Bureau with investigative assistance from the Suffolk County Police Department and members of the DEA.

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