Undercover Informant Plants Crack In New York Smoke Shop
Scotia, NY – An undercover informant for the local police department was caught on camera planting crack inside an area smoke shop.
Authorities started keeping a close eye on Donald Andrews’ smoke shop after they suspected the business owner of selling drugs on the side. In order to get to the bottom of the situation, the department used an undercover informant to case the joint.
During his second trip to the store, the informant allegedly planted and photographed the drugs. Unfortunately for Andrews, this ultimately led to his arrest back in April.
However, the shop owner was soon exonerated after surveillance footage from no less than seven different cameras showed the undercover informant planting crack inside Andrews’ business. Authorities insist it was never their intention to frame the man for the crime.
“He comes in [and] places the crack on the counter. Crack, which under federal sentencing guidelines, would get him 4 years in jail. Under New York State law would get him two to seven years in jail,” attorney Kevin Luibrand explained.
However, interrogating the undercover informant is proving to be a little difficult at the moment. He has since disappeared from the area. Authorities currently have no idea where their informant is hiding out.
Police previously used the guy in two other drug-related cases, both of which resulted in convictions. Since the informant was busted planting crack inside Andrews’ smoke shop, it’s unknown if this will result in these cases being reopened by investigators.
The undercover informant who planted the crack is currently facing charges of perjury. Southern Christian Leadership Conference’s Robert Outlar believes the man simply cannot be trusted. The shop owner has since filed a wrongful arrest lawsuit against the department.
What do you think about the undercover informant in New York who was busted planting crack inside an area smoke shop? What do you think should happen to this guy?
[Image via Shutterstock]
