Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe today announced the filing of criminal charges against 18 individuals for allegedly selling heroin, cocaine, Oxycodone and other highly addictive pharmaceuticals, as well as marijuana, in Rockland County.

Over the past several months, Zugibe said, the Rockland County Drug Task Force targeted numerous locations in the towns of Haverstraw, Clarkstown, Orangetown, Ramapo and Stony Point, including downtown areas in the villages of Spring Valley, Suffern and Haverstraw. Open-air drug transactions were conducted in each of the towns and villages. "This sweep is yet another step in our continuing campaign to stop illegal drug dealing and drug-based violence in Rockland County," he said in a prepared statement. "These 18 arrests underscore our commitment to continue to work to improve the quality of life for all of our residents."

The defendants range in age from 21 to 48. They are charged with selling prescription drugs, cocaine and heroin to undercover police officers on separate occasions in 2015. The open-air drug transactions have led to state and federal arrest warrants and indictments for criminal sale and criminal possession of controlled substances and conspiracy to distribute narcotics.

16 of the 18 defendants have prior criminal histories for weapon charges, sale and possession charges, assault charges, petit larceny, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, attempted murder, animal abuse, obstruction of government administration, burglary, robbery and tampering with evidence charges, he said. According to the charges, one of the distribution sites was the Ligia Peluqueria Unisex Barber Shop in Spring Valley. At this location, Roberto Bueno, also known as "Cowboy," allegedly peddled over 200 grams of powder cocaine and crack cocaine. One of his alleged associates, Anthony Rodriguez, is accused of distributing over 100 grams of powder cocaine at this same barber shop.

Another Spring Valley site was the home of Joseph Duran-Guzman, who allegedly sold over 100 grams of heroin from 28 East Hickory Street.

Officers executed seven court-authorized search warrants in the towns of Ramapo, Haverstraw, Stony Point and in the Village of Spring Valley.

The DA's office said: Members of the Drug Task Force, along with Haverstraw Police and federal agents, executed warrants for Joseph Fucci of 47 Main Street, Haverstraw. The probe into Fucci uncovered alleged firearms sales and led to the seizure of 95 grams of powder cocaine. The warrants also resulted in the seizure of drug paraphernalia and distribution material for marijuana wax, crack cocaine and powder cocaine.