Law enforcement in Suffolk County say they indicted four defendants in the county’s first-ever bust for carfentanil, a synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than fentanyl and 10,000 times stronger than morphine.
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney announced on Thursday that the four individuals—John Sims, Tyeisha Kisswani, Robert Day, and Adrian Spooner—have been indicted on a range of charges stemming from a seven-month-long investigation into a narcotics distribution network operating in the county.
“As hard as it is to believe, carfentanil is even more potent and more lethal than fentanyl. The influx of this drug in Suffolk County is alarming and poses a clear and present danger to the public,” Tierney said. “We will prosecute traffickers responsible for bringing such poisons into Suffolk County to the fullest extent of the law.”
The investigation, which began in January 2024, used undercover officers, surveillance, and various recording techniques to build a case against the suspects. According to the indictment, Sims, Kisswani, Day, and Spooner allegedly sold significant quantities of carfentanil, fentanyl, and cocaine in Suffolk County between January and July 2024.
John Sims, 40, of Freeport, is charged with multiple counts, including Conspiracy in the Second Degree, Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Sims allegedly sold more than half an ounce of carfentanil to an undercover officer on July 23, 2024—the first time the potent drug has been recovered in Suffolk County. Sims is facing up to 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count.
Tyeisha Kisswani, 39, of Freeport, was also indicted on conspiracy and drug sale charges. A search of the residence she shared with Sims uncovered a loaded .357 revolver, cocaine, cash, and drug packaging materials. Despite the severity of the charges, Kisswani was released without bail under current New York State laws.
Robert Day, 65, of Hempstead, remains at large and is facing charges of Conspiracy in the Second Degree and Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance. Day allegedly participated in selling fentanyl and carfentanil alongside Sims. Authorities are asking the public to provide any information on Day’s whereabouts by contacting Crime Stoppers.
Adrian Spooner, 36, of Bay Shore, was charged with 12 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance and related possession charges. He was released after posting $200,000 bail but could face up to 14 years in prison if convicted on the top count. Spooner is accused of selling cocaine on multiple occasions during the investigation.
Carfentanil, a tranquilizer used for large animals like elephants, is considered so potent that even small amounts can be fatal to humans. Its presence in Suffolk County is especially concerning for law enforcement and first responders, as it can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled, making accidental exposure extremely dangerous.
On August 28, 2024, search warrants were executed at various locations connected to the suspects. Law enforcement recovered weapons, drugs, and drug paraphernalia from Sims and Kisswani’s home.
Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.
