A “drug crew” accused of selling fentanyl-laced heroin to actor Michael K. Williams, have been arrested, and footage of the deadly drug deal has been released by authorities.
According to court documents, four individuals have been charged with crimes connected to the drug transaction, that ultimately killed ‘The Wire’ actor at his apartment in the city. Three of the four defendants made a court appearance on Wednesday, and a fourth was arrested in Puerto Rico.
Prosecutors allege 39-year-old Irving Cartagena distributed the laced heroin to Williams that caused his deadly overdose. Hector Robles, 57, Luis Cruz, 56, and Carlos Macci, 70 have all been charged with conspiracy to the crime.
Michael K. William’s Alleged Drug Dealers Kept Pushing The Dope, AFTER His Death
New York authorities claims on September 5, 2021, the defendants sold Williams the heroin in a “hand-to-hand” drug deal, which was ultimately laced with fentanyl and a “fentanyl analogue.”
Shockingly, prosecutors claim after knowing Williams died from using the product, the four continued to sell the fentanyl-laced heroin — in broad daylight — near residential apartment buildings in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Authorities released images of the actual drug deal between Cartagena and Williams. It is clear in the images, the two men are having a conversation, and then a hand-to-hand transaction takes place. Surveillance footage confirms the deal went down on the day before Williams’ death.
Shocking Images From The Deadly Drug Deal!
“Michael K. Williams, a prominent actor, and producer, tragically overdosed in his New York City apartment from fentanyl-laced heroin,” U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said.
He continued, “Today, along with our law enforcement partners at the NYPD, we announce the arrests of members of a drug crew, including Irvin Cartagena, the man who we allege sold the deadly dose of drugs to Michael K. Williams. This is a public health crisis. And it has to stop. Deadly opioids like fentanyl and heroin don’t care about who you are or what you’ve accomplished. They just feed addiction and lead to tragedy.”
Adding, “The Southern District of New York and our law enforcement partners will not give up. We will bring every tool to bear. And we will continue to hold accountable the dealers who push this poison, exploit addiction, and cause senseless death.”
Authorities Arrest ‘Drug Crew’ For Selling ‘The Wire’ Star Laced Heroin
As we reported, the famous actor died of an “acute drug intoxication” and it was listed as “accidental.” At the time of his death, Williams was found to have fentanyl, para fluoro fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in his body. The actor was found inside his apartment by family members.
As you know, ‘The Wire’ star was open about his struggle with addiction. “I was playing with fire,” he said in a 2012 interview. “It was just a matter of time before I got caught and my business ended up on the cover of a tabloid or I went to jail or, worse, I ended up dead. When I look back on it now, I don’t know how I didn’t end up in a body bag.”
Interestingly, the actor was best known for his role as Omar on ‘The Wire’ a police-style television show documenting narcotics officers in Baltimore, where he regularly robbed drug dealers.
R.I.P.
