A Bronx man has been indicted on federal narcotics offenses, including distribution resulting in death, after a Greenwich, Connecticut victim was fatally poisoned with fentanyl and cocaine. Estherlyn Frias, known by aliases "Platinum" and "Silver," is facing serious charges as unveiled by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and the DEA's Frank A. Tarentino, according to a press release.
The indictment charges Frias with distributing drugs directly linked to the death of an individual identified as Victim-1. It states that illegal substances, including fentanyl-laced products, were allegedly trafficked from an apartment where Frias lived with his girlfriend and two young children. Victim-1 died from acute fentanyl and cocaine intoxication after purchasing narcotics from Frias.
Following the death of Victim-1, law enforcement officials conducted a search of Frias's Bronx apartment. Recovered from the premises were large quantities of narcotics, including fentanyl, para-fluorofentanyl, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and methadone. Equipment consistent with drug trafficking operations, including a digital scale and empty glassine envelopes, were also found.
The DEA released footage showing Frias in his apartment retrieving drugs while moving past sleeping children, providing a glimpse into the operation. Evidence recovered from Frias's phone revealed the extent of his activities, including a "menu" of drugs sent via text messages to Victim-1. "While today's indictment against Mr. Frias will not bring back the person whose life was lost; it undoubtably represents a step towards justice and likely saved countless others," Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino stated to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Frias, 34, faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison with the possibility of life imprisonment if convicted on charges of narcotics conspiracy resulting in death, possession with intent to distribute narcotics, and possession with intent to distribute narcotics resulting in death. The judicial process is active, but it's important to note that the indictment's charges remain accusations, and Frias is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The investigation praised by Mr. Clayton, has been the result of a combined effort from the DEA and the Greenwich Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca R. Delfiner and Benjamin M. Burkett are leading the prosecution.
