Ulster County authorities arrest 25 in drug operation

A multi-agency law enforcement initiative known as ‘Operation Wrecking Ball’ has resulted in the arrest of 25 individuals in Ulster County, New York. The investigation, which took place during July and August 2026, was launched in response to resident complaints regarding suspected drug sales and rising violent crime in the Village of Ellenville.

The operation involved several agencies, including the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team (U.R.G.E.N.T.), the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, the New York State Police Special Investigations Unit, the Ellenville Police Department, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations.

During the course of the investigation, authorities executed three residential search warrants and four arrest warrants. Seized items included approximately 42.3 grams of cocaine, 79.2 grams of crack cocaine, and 18 units of assorted pharmaceutical controlled substances. Additionally, police recovered two firearms, firearm parts, and three other weapons, including two sets of brass knuckles and a billy club.