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Police Chief Recalls Drug Bust During Hearing

Jamestown police chief Harry Snellings at a press conference in August 2016 after about $2.4 million worth of narcotics were seized by police. It was reported to be the largest drug seizure in the city’s history. P-J file photo

In 2016, Jamestown Police Department Chief Harry Snellings witnessed something he never thought he would see in the city of Jamestown — a multi-kilogram drug bust.

Earlier this month while testifying during the arbitration hearing between the city and the Kendall Club Police Benevolent Association, Snellings discussed the largest drug bust in the history of the city of Jamestown.

On Aug. 18, 2016, local law enforcement officials captured Juan Pacheco Jr., who was allegedly in possession of 15 kilos of narcotics with an estimated street value of $2.4 million. Specifically, investigators found 9 kilos of cocaine, with a street value of more than $2 million; 3.5 kilos of methamphetamine with a street value of $330,000; 2.5 kilos of marijuana with a street value of $35,000; and $139,883 in cash.

The investigation and capture of Pacheco was conducted by members of the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, which includes officers of the Jamestown and Ellicott police departments, and the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team.

The multi-kilo bust is something Snellings, who started working for the JPD in 1996, never thought he would see work for the city’s police department, yet alone a drug bust involving 15 kilos.

“I never thought I would see multiple kilos,” Snellings, who is also the city’s public safety director, said.

When asked about what has changed most during his 22 years on the force, Snellings said the increased amount of drugs and guns in the city. He said he knew the dangers of the job when he signed up to be a police officer.

Snellings, who was named the chief of the department in 2010, said there are also several other crimes associated with the illegal drug trade other than narcotics and guns. He said burglaries, armed robberies of convenience stores and domestic violence are directly linked to drugs, whether the crimes are perpetrated by the dealers or those addicted to narcotics.

During the hearing, Snellings testified that he started to turn up the heat on drug dealers in 2011 when the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force was created. In 2012, the new task force started arresting more drug dealers. He is proud of the department’s officers for the work they have done to arrest more dealers. He added the department won’t be turning down the pressure they’re putting on drug dealers any time soon.

“It is one thing to have a vision. It is another to see the team execute it,” he said.

Snellings said demand in the city is higher than other cities due to factors like the 30 percent poverty level.

Snellings also said Jamestown is a safer city for drug dealers to work in because there is less competition. He added, however, in 2016 drug rivalries did escalate into several shootings and a homicide during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

On Nov. 24, 2016, the first shooting occurred early Thursday morning at 129 S. Main St. that resulted in the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Allan B. Burnett Jr. A social gathering had been ongoing at the South Main Street residence when an altercation inside the property escalated to people going outside and exchanging gunfire.

Along with the homicide victim, two additional people were hit with gunfire. They were transported to WCA Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

In total, there were four shootings in the city, two occurring on Thanksgiving and two the following day. Along with the South Main Street shooting, officers responded to Falconer and Thayer streets where two males fired at a vehicle traveling through the area. No one was reportedly hit. On Nov. 25, 2016, police said a man dressed in black and a dark ski mask entered a East Fourth Street residence and opened fire. No one was injured. Several hours later that Friday, police then received reports that shots were fired in the area of Lakeview and Euclid avenues. Police said a vehicle traveling in the area was reportedly struck by one of the rounds fired. No injuries were again reported.

In November 2016, Snellings said all of the shootings were connected and were targeted. He said the investigation has been made more difficult because those involved in the crime were not cooperating with law enforcement agencies.

Snellings during the hearing said the police department is now dealing with an increase in methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking, with a decrease in the amount of heroin they are witnessing. He said the drugs are being transported into Jamestown from all over the country and in several ways, with some dealers using taxicabs, buses and even postage delivery services. He added the problems in Jamestown with narcotics are not unique, with several cities throughout the state and country experiencing the same issues.

Lt. Jason Donato, Kendall Club president, testified similarly to Snellings about the increase in drugs and guns in the city. He said it has been a gradual progression since he joined the force in 1999. He added it is now a regular scene to bust people for narcotics possession during routine traffic stops, which didn’t used to be the case.

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