The group had been selling fentanyl-laced heroin that was linked to at least five overdoses in the area, in addition to trafficking marijuana, cocaine, and opioids. Investigations into the activities followed an onslaught of violent crime on the reservation. Authorities said criminals had been "terrorizing" residents of the reservation, with Councilmembers of the reservation noting that the reservation community had suffered greatly from the trafficking of drugs through the area, and had been seeking assistance of law enforcement to address the issue.

These events also represent the impoverished conditions afflicting many Native American reservations, with many members falling vulnerable to addiction and violence.

https://www.newsday.com/long-island/crime/suffolk-drug-ring-bust-1.37855062

https://sunrisehouse.com/addiction-demographics/native-americans/