AG James announced the convictions of nine members of firearms and narcotics trafficking rings that sold ghost guns, assault-style rifles, and counterfeit oxycodone pills containing deadly amounts of fentanyl in Dutchess County. The ringleader, Muayad Qader, was sentenced on January 24 to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to four felonies. The primary supplier of firearms to the gun trafficking operation, Jason Knapp, was sentenced to 40 years in prison on January 17 after being convicted at trial for the sale and possession of 12 firearms, as well as Conspiracy. The remaining two members of the gun trafficking operation have also been convicted and are awaiting sentencing, along with the five remaining defendants charged for their roles in the narcotics trafficking operation. 

“These dangerous criminals flooded New York communities with untraceable ghost guns and counterfeit opioids containing deadly amounts of fentany. This case is a significant victory in my office’s efforts to turn the tide on the crises of gun violence and opioid addiction. The convictions and sentences we secured are putting a stop to deadly gun and drug trafficking operations, protecting New Yorkers in the Hudson Valley." – AG James

https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2025/attorney-general-james-announces-convictions-hudson-valley-firearms-and-fentanyl