Seven arrests in illegal drug crackdown

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - An illegally parked car tipped off police to alleged drug activity at a home in the University Heights neighborhood over the weekend. In a crackdown on illegal drugs, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown says Buffalo Police have arrested seven people in the University Heights neighborhood, including four University at Buffalo students.

The mayor says police added patrols to the University Heights area over the weekend. Police made seven arrests and seized cocaine, ecstasy, marijuana and other pills, along with $64,000 in cash.

UB students 21-year-old Andrew Pawluk, of Webster, 21-year-old Marc Harding, of Webster, 22-year-old Anthony Argiros, of Hancock and 22-year-old Ruben Abramov, of Ithaca, were all arrested. Also arrested were  25-year-old Brennon Hall, of Buffalo, 25-year-old Joseph Mruk, of West Seneca and 23-year-old Jonathan Ho, of Buffalo.

According to the Buffalo Police, the individuals who were arrested were charged with criminal possession of marijuana, criminal possession of a controlled substance and use of drug paraphernalia.

In a press release Tuesday, Police Commissioner Daniel Derenda said, “We believe that individuals were selling and distributing large amounts of illegal drugs from this West Northup residence. Earlier in the evening officers came across an illegally parked car out in front of house. The officers asked the driver to move his vehicle. Police then returned about an hour later and the vehicle was still illegally parked. That’s when officers walked into the yard and then discovered large amounts of drugs in plain view in the house.”

Brown said, “As I’ve said we will not let up when it comes to illegal drug activity in our city.”