A drug dealer and his girlfriend reportedly said they had sold a significant amount of fentanyl from his Long Island residence, which led them to keep four puppies in poor condition, according to prosecutors.
Troy Daniels, 44, allegedly sold two ounces of fentanyl—enough to potentially kill 28,000 individuals—to undercover agents between May and July, as stated by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.
The East End Drug Task Force took action against Daniels on July 18.
Prosecutors claimed that three dogs were crammed into a single crate without access to food or water, and their living conditions included their own waste.
All dogs were retrieved from the home and taken to a veterinarian for treatment.
Beyond the puppies, law enforcement found over half an ounce of fentanyl, a mix of fentanyl and heroin, cocaine, and other drug paraphernalia in the apartment.
Additionally, several shotguns were confiscated during the raid, according to the DA’s office.
According to prosecutors, Daniels met with undercover agents multiple times in the parking area near his apartment.
Daniels and his girlfriend, Toni Garwicki, 31, each face three counts related to animal cruelty for not providing the necessary food and water for the dogs last month.
Moreover, Daniels is facing numerous felony drug charges, including four counts of first-degree criminal sales of controlled substances and additional counts of fourth-degree criminal possession.
District Attorney Raymond Tierney expressed concern, stating that “the illegal fentanyl trade can be fatal.”
He further emphasized the necessity for dealers to be held accountable for the dangers their activities pose to the community.
Garwicki’s attorney argued that she did not mistreat the dogs, claiming they were well taken care of and asserting that they were only placed in crates when law enforcement arrived at the residence.
Her lawyer also noted that she wasn’t living in the apartment and contended that neither she nor Daniels were responsible for the dogs’ condition.
The charges against Garwicki are serious enough that she is not eligible for bail, facing a potential yearlong prison sentence if convicted on the lead charge.
Daniel’s bail is set at $500,000. If found guilty, he might face up to 20 years in prison for the most severe charge.
His attorney highlighted that Daniels deserves fair treatment and expressed commitment to reviewing the evidence thoroughly to determine the next steps for their defense.
