High-Rise Drug Bust in Utica: Cocaine Seized, Local Man Charged

Utica, NY — April 8, 2025 — A quiet apartment in a Utica high-rise turned out to be the center of a cocaine trafficking operation, according to Oneida County Sheriff Robert M. Maciol. Acting on the results of an ongoing investigation, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Apartment 711 of 2 Kennedy Plaza, uncovering a stash of drugs and distribution materials.

The suspect, Michael J. Griggs, was arrested at the scene and is now facing multiple drug-related charges. According to investigators, Griggs had been selling cocaine directly from his apartment, using it as a base of operations for street-level narcotics distribution.

During the search, officers recovered:

• Over 28 grams of cocaine

• Drug packaging materials

• Digital scales

Griggs now faces the following charges:

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd (Intent to Sell) – B Felony

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd (Weight) – B Felony

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th – A Misdemeanor

• Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia 2nd – A Misdemeanor (2 counts)

The bust was the result of a collaborative effort between the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and the Utica Police Department Special Investigations Unit, with support from the Oneida County Forensic ID Unit, OCSO Road Patrol, and Utica Police GIVE Unit.

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and that additional charges may still be filed.

Anyone with information related to this case or other drug activity is encouraged to contact the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office.