On January 20, 2025, the Utica Police Department, in collaboration with the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, executed a search warrant at 1307 Elm Street as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation. The search led to the arrest of two individuals—36-year-old Brandi Alexander and 48-year-old Juan Lucca Vega, both from Utica.
The search operation uncovered significant quantities of cocaine and fentanyl, along with a sum of cash. Alexander was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree. Vega, who had a history of felony drug offenses, was charged with multiple crimes, including two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree with intent to sell, one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree based on weight, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree.
Authorities discovered that Vega had been arrested in a similar operation in September 2024, during which he was charged with felony drug offenses. At the time of this recent arrest, he was out on bail from those previous charges.
The Utica Police Department has emphasized its commitment to combating drug trafficking in the area. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities continue to encourage residents to report any suspicious activities that could help maintain community safety.
