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D.A.: Calverton man involved in coast-to-coast marijuana operation

Eric Gomez
Eric Gomez

A Calverton man was allegedly involved in a coast-to-coast drug ring that he conducted with another Long Island man, and is scheduled to be arraigned this morning. 

Eric Gomez, 29, and his partner Brian Poole of Bellport, 27, brought “potent, high-grade strains of California grown marijuana” to Long Island for resale, according to the office of District Attorney Thomas Spota. They were arrested on June 10. Mr. Poole was described as the ringleader of the operation and Mr. Gomez his chief reseller.

Approximately 80 pounds of California marijuana were mailed to Mr. Poole’s home each month, authorities allege. He profited between $500 to $800 per pound said District Attorney Thomas Spota in a statement.

Mr. Poole allegedly owned homes in Bellport and Bay Shore which served as resale locations.

Police said they seized a defaced handgun, a stun gun, and over $200,000 in cash when the two were arrested. They also found another tens of thousands of dollars in cash in a child’s backpack, authorities said.

A grand jury indictment is expected to be unsealed on Wednesday at Suffolk County Criminal Court.

Mr. Gomez was released on his own recognizance after his initial arraignment in district court in June. Mr. Poole, a prior violent felony offender, has been held in the county jail in lieu of $1 million cash bail and a parole hold.