Utica man faces charges after narcotics bust reveals gun, cocaine and cash

UTICA, N.Y. — A Utica man was arrested Thursday after a lengthy investigation into the sale and distribution of narcotics.

The Utica Police Special Investigations Unit along with members of the Oneida County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit conducted a search warrant on 39-year-old Antonio Ware, his residence and a storage unit belonging to him.

During the search, investigators found over 130 grams of cocaine, a loaded handgun and more than $14,000 in cash according to the Utica Police Department.

As a result, Ware was charged with:

• Two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree
• Criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree

Other charges are being explored with the Oneida County District Attorney's Office.