BUFFALO, NY — A Buffalo man faces multiple drug charges following what authorities say is the largest single seizure of methamphetamine in Erie County Sheriff’s Office history.
Michael Hatten, 55, of Buffalo, was arrested March 30 after a four-month investigation by the Erie County Sheriff’s Narcotics and Intelligence Unit.
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Buffalo Police Department Intelligence Unit, Lockport Police Department and Erie Crime Analysis Center assisted in the investigation.
Deputies executed search warrants at multiple locations in Buffalo and Lockport this week.
At an E. Ferry St. residence, deputies seized approximately 42 pounds of suspected crystal methamphetamine, approximately 11 pounds of suspected fentanyl, and approximately 5 pounds of suspected cocaine.
Authorities also recovered a loaded shotgun that had been reported stolen and currency.
Hatten was taken into custody without incident during a traffic stop.
He was charged with two counts of first-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, three counts of second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, five counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, six counts of second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
Hatten was arraigned in Buffalo City Court, where bail was set at $20,000.
He posted bail and was released from custody March 31.
On April 1, Hatten was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service on a federal violation of supervised release warrant and remanded to federal custody.
