Four Arrested in Cheektowaga, Buffalo Drug and Weapons Raid

Authorities seized large quantities of drugs and illegal firearms during the operation.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:19pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a metal firearm magazine, its surface texture and details dramatically illuminated by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the gritty, investigative nature of this crime story.The seizure of assault weapons and a ghost gun during this drug and weapons raid highlights the ongoing challenge of combating the proliferation of illegal firearms.Buffalo Today

State Police, Cheektowaga Police, and Buffalo Police executed search warrants at two residences as part of a drug trafficking investigation, resulting in the arrest of four individuals. Authorities seized over 600 grams of methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, and psilocybin mushrooms, along with eight illegally possessed firearms including assault weapons and a ghost gun.

Why it matters

This operation highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat the distribution of dangerous drugs and the proliferation of illegal firearms in the Buffalo and Cheektowaga communities. The seizure of assault weapons and a ghost gun also raises concerns about the accessibility of these types of weapons.

The details

Police executed search warrants at a residence on Gierlach Street in Cheektowaga and a home on East Delevan Avenue in Buffalo. During the raids, they arrested four individuals and seized over 600 grams of methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, and psilocybin mushrooms, along with a digital scale. Authorities also confiscated eight illegally possessed firearms, including seven assault weapons and one ghost gun pistol, 20 high-capacity magazines, a firearm suppressor, an auto sear, body armor, and ammunition.

  • The search warrants were executed on April 16, 2026.

The players

Angela R. Vanway

A 44-year-old Cheektowaga resident charged with multiple counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Joshua T. Pike

A 41-year-old Cheektowaga resident charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Raul F. Harrison

A 39-year-old Buffalo resident charged with numerous counts of criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a firearm, and failure to safely store firearms.

Erik K. Williams

A 41-year-old Buffalo resident charged with multiple counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance.

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The takeaway

This operation highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing the interrelated issues of drug trafficking and the proliferation of illegal firearms in the Buffalo and Cheektowaga communities. The seizure of assault weapons and a ghost gun raises concerns about the accessibility of these types of weapons and the potential for further violence.