Fatal overdoses lead to arrest of Wantagh drug dealer

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A police investigation into several fatal overdoses and numerous community complaints has led to the arrest of a Wantagh man for drug dealing and possession.

Benji Diskin, 61, was arrested without incident on Saturday, Aug. 11, at 7:40 p.m. on Wantagh Avenue, according to Nassau County police.

Authorities reported that an investigation by Narcotics/ Vice Squad detectives into several fatal drug overdoses led to Diskin, whose Twin Lane South residence and Amityville storage facility were searched. Recovered were numerous pieces of evidence linking two fatal overdoses in Suffolk and one in Nassau, to the defendant, according to the police report. The evidence seized included substances believed to be: heroin, Suboxone, Clonazepam and cocaine, crack, along with packaging items used widely to sell the drugs and U.S. currency, allegedly proceeds from his drug sales.

Policesaid the defendant knowingly possessed and sold controlled substances to Suffolk and Nassau residents.

Diskin was charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substances and five counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. The defendant was arraigned on Aug. 12 and was expected to appear before the Nassau County District Attorney on Aug. 15.

Online court records show that Diskin has spent about one–third of his life — 22 years — in prison for drug and burglary charges. His most recent arrest, published reports show, was on Jan. 7, 2014 for third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.