Photo Courtesy of DEA
During one of the transactions, Marra allegedly told an undercover police officer, “This stuff is hot. My friend died off of it.”
By Forum Staff
Two Glendale have been arrested for allegedly conspiring to sell heroin and fentanyl in Queens between January and September 2018, federal prosecutors announced on Thursday.
Douglas Marra, 34, a.k.a. “Dougie” and Joseph McClean, 34, a.k.a. “Max B” were arraigned on Thursday on a criminal complaint charging them with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl.
According to the complaint, in January 2018, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the City Police Department began investigating a heroin and fentanyl drug-trafficking organization in Queens. Following an overdose death in the borough, law enforcement interviewed an individual who said that the overdose victim had obtained heroin from “Dougie” and that “Dougie” works with “Max B.” A subsequent search of the victim’s cell phone by law enforcement revealed contact information for Marra and McClean. Agents then initiated a series of undercover drug transactions with Marra. During one of those transactions, Marra told an undercover police officer, “This stuff is hot. My friend died off of it.” Ultimately, when Marra was not able to provide drugs, McClean directed other suppliers to complete the narcotics 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,” said HIS New York Special Agent-in-Charge Angel 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.”
If convicted of the charges, Marra and McClean face a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment and a maximum of life behind bars.
