Yesterday, a measure of justice was served when Marquis Douglas, the ringleader of a major drug operation that caused the death of four men, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison.
Nicknamed “Prince” and “President” on the street, Douglas’s operation flooded the North Fork with a deadly mix – cocaine laced with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid far more potent than heroin. The lethal combination reached unsuspecting users in Greenport and Shelter Island on August 12th, 2021. Within a single day, four lives were tragically cut short.
The investigation that followed revealed the vast scope of Douglas’s drug trafficking. For years, he had been a major supplier, not just of fentanyl-laced cocaine, but also of bulk quantities of cocaine, heroin, and crack cocaine. Police seized over 100 grams of fentanyl and cocaine when they apprehended Douglas in May 2022.
“This isn’t a small-time dealer we’re talking about,” said US Attorney Breon Peace. “Douglas was a major player, and his actions had a devastating impact on our community.”
The lengthy sentence reflects the severity of the crimes.
“Four deaths. Four families forever shattered,” Peace said. “Hopefully, this sentence sends a clear message: there are severe consequences for peddling these deadly drugs.”
While the sentence brings some closure to the victims’ families, it also highlights a larger issue.
“This case is a stark reminder of the opioid crisis plaguing our state,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “We need comprehensive solutions to address this epidemic and prevent further tragedies.”
The investigation into Douglas’s operation involved a collaborative effort between local police departments, the FBI, and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Their combined efforts led to a successful prosecution and a sentence that aims to deter future drug trafficking and the devastation it brings.
