7-month narcotics investigation leads to first seizure of potentially lethal carfentanil in Suffolk County, DA says

Suffolk's top law enforcement official said a seven-month narcotics investigation led to the first seizure in the county of carfentanil, a potentially deadly synthetic opioid that is 100 times stronger than fentanyl and used to tranquilize large mammals.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney  said Thursday four Long Island residents are accused of selling large amounts of carfentanil, fentanyl and cocaine, criminal sale of controlled substances, weapons charges and other crimes as a result of the probe.

"As hard as it is to believe, carfentanil is even more potent and more lethal than fentanyl," Tierney said in a statement. "The influx of this drug in Suffolk County is alarming and poses a clear and present danger to the public."

John Sims, 40, and Tyeisha Kisswani, 39, both of Freeport, and Robert Day, 65, of Hempstead, were members of a conspiracy that sold "copious quantities" of carfentanil, fentanyl and cocaine on multiple occasions between January and July, Tierney said. Adrian Spooner, 36, of Bay Shore, sold cocaine 12 times during the investigation, including more than a half ounce of the drug on July 17.

Fentanyl is a cheap and deadly synthetic opioid responsible for most of the fatal overdoses on Long Island and nationwide in recent years, officials have said. Carfentanil is often used as a tranquilizing agent for horses, elephants and other large mammals, officials said.

Authorities executed multiple search warrants at multiple locations on Aug. 28, Tierney said. Officials found a loaded .357 revolver, a high-capacity ammunition feeding device, cocaine, U.S. currency, digital scales and packaging materials while executing a search warrant at the home Sims and Kisswani share in Freeport. Kisswani was arrested at the scene and Sims was taken into custody at another location later that day.

Suffolk Supreme Court Justice John B. Collins ordered Sims held without bail at his arraignment in Riverhead on Monday. Sims, who faces 12½ to 25 years in prison, is scheduled to return to court on Nov 14.

"We have received a copy of the indictment and he pleaded not guilty," said Jason Russo, Sims' attorney. "I imagine we will be in discussions with the district attorney’s office to bring this case to a resolution."

Collins ordered Kisswani released from jail during her arraignment on Thursday because the charges pending against her are considered non-bail eligible under New York State law. She is expected to return to court on Nov. 13 and faces up to 8⅓ to 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count. Kisswani’s attorney, Oscar Crisafio, could not be reached for comment.

Day remains at large. Tierney urged anyone with information about his whereabouts to call the Suffolk County Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 800-220-TIPS.

Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen Wilutis ordered Spooner held on $100,000 cash bond, $300,000 bond or $1 million partially secured bond at his Sept. 25 arraignment. Spooner posted $200,000 bail and was released. He is expected back in court on Nov. 6 and faces up to 14 years if convicted on the top count.

"He has pleaded not guilty and we look forward to receiving all discovery and defending Mr. Spooner in court," said Robert Macedonio, Spooner’s attorney.