Three Men Charged With Trafficking Nearly 100 Firearms
Federal prosecutors charged three men with selling dozens of illegal weapons and cocaine in New York City.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Drug Crime
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Federal authorities have charged Dwight Flowers, Terrence Porter, and Taleak Harris with conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking. The trio allegedly sold 93 illegal weapons and 700 grams of cocaine to an undercover officer across Manhattan and the Bronx.
Why it matters
The case highlights a significant law enforcement effort to intercept illegal weapons and narcotics before they reach the streets of New York City. The investigation targeted a network accused of trafficking firearms, including a weapon modified with a machinegun conversion device.
The defendants face potential prison sentences of up to 15 years for firearms trafficking, 20 years for cocaine distribution, and 10 years for illegal machinegun possession. Terrence Porter is expected to appear before a magistrate judge tomorrow.
The players
Dwight Flowers
The 58-year-old defendant was arrested in Nassau County for his alleged role in the trafficking conspiracy.
Terrence Porter
This 50-year-old defendant faces charges for his participation in the illegal sales to an undercover officer.
Taleak Harris
The 49-year-old defendant was arrested in Virginia for allegedly supplying the firearms sold in the scheme.
New York City Police Department
The law enforcement agency conducted the undercover operation that led to the recovery of the weapons and narcotics.
The details
Prosecutors allege the defendants completed five separate transactions with an undercover NYPD officer between June and September 2026. Taleak Harris reportedly supplied the firearms that were then sold by Flowers and Porter, who were arrested in Nassau County while Harris was apprehended in Virginia.
Timeline
The defendants conducted illegal sales between June and September 2026.
Dwight Flowers sold a weapon with a machinegun conversion device in September 2026.
All three suspects were arrested on September 30, 2026.
Federal authorities formally announced the indictment on October 1, 2026.
Terrence Porter is scheduled for a court appearance on October 2, 2026.
Legal Context
This prosecution reflects an ongoing effort to enforce federal statutes against illegal weapon modifications as defined by the National Firearms Act. Such cases are frequently prioritized by the Department of Justice to curb the proliferation of black-market firearms in major metropolitan areas.
The removal of 93 illegal firearms from circulation serves to increase public safety by reducing the availability of weapons often tied to violent crime. Residents in Manhattan and the Bronx may notice increased vigilance from law enforcement agencies following this major seizure.
The takeaway
The successful undercover operation highlights the critical role of sting operations in dismantling illegal trafficking networks before weapons reach the public. Vigilance regarding suspicious street-level activity remains a key component in assisting local law enforcement efforts.
What happens next
Terrence Porter is scheduled for a presentation before a magistrate judge on October 2, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local enforcement efforts, visit the Drug Crime section.
More information
Read the complete Department of Justice press release for further details.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The United States Department of Justice.
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