Jamestown man one of two charged in Buffalo drug bust

Dhakari Allen
- Dhakari Allen
- Lisandro Sanchez
Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced that 27-year-old Dhakari K. Allen of Kenmore and Lisandro Sanchez, 43, of Jamestown were arraigned Tuesday before Buffalo before Buffalo City Court Judge Shannon M. Heneghan on various drug charges.
Allen was the subject of an investigation into narcotics sales. It is alleged that Monday afternoon investigators observed Allen exit his residence in the village of Kenmore. Investigators followed the defendant as he drove to a fast-food restaurant on Elmwood Avenue near Hertel Avenue in the City of Buffalo. Investigators allegedly saw the defendant conduct a narcotics transaction with Sanchez.
When the defendants were approached by investigators, a quantity of suspected narcotics, packaged for sale, was observed in plain view on the front seat of Allen’s vehicle. Both Allen and Sanchez allegedly fought with officers while being placed under arrest.
Sanchez was allegedly found in possession of a quantity of suspected crack cocaine and a quantity of suspected methamphetamine. He is accused of attempting to conceal the suspected narcotics while being placed under arrest.

Lisandro Sanchez
Sanchez was charged with one count of fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, one count of tampering with physical evidence (Class “E” felony), one count of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, one count of second-degree obstruction of governmental administration, and one count of resisting arrest (Class “A” misdemeanors).
Allen was charged with two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, two counts of second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia, one count of second-degree obstruction of governmental administration and one count of resisting arrest.
Both defendants were released on their own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail.
If convicted of the highest count, Allen faces a maximum sentence of 9 years in prison.
If convicted of the highest count, Sanchez faces up to 5 1/2 years in prison.
It is further alleged that later on Monday, investigators executed a search warrant of Allen’s home on the 100 block of Lincoln Boulevard in the village of Kenmore. Investigators allegedly recovered a quantity of suspected cocaine, a quantity of suspected fentanyl, cutting agent, packaging material and a quantity of cash. The suspected narcotics were submitted into evidence for further analysis by the Erie County Central Police Services laboratory.
For that investigation, Allen was additionally charged with one count of first-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (Class “A-I” felony), one count of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (Class “B” felony), one count of fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (Class “C” felony), two counts of second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia (Class “A” misdemeanors)
If convicted of the highest count, Allen faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Acting DA Keane commends the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics/Intelligence Unit and the Kenmore Police Department for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Samantha N. King of the Narcotics/Intelligence Bureau.