A major Bronx drug bust has resulted in the seizure of more than 70 kilograms of heroin and $2 million in cash, making it one of the largest busts in American history.
Two men were arrested as a result of the yearlong investigation, in which 155 pounds of the drug was found, carrying an estimated street value of $50 million.
On Sunday, agents authorized a warrant to search a Chevy Suburban associated with the ring, finding in the floor 70 rectangular kilogram packages of heroin, each labeled "Rolex," in addition to $24,000 in cash. Investigators also searched various Fieldston apartments associated with the car, where they found $2 million beneath the floorboards and a .380 caliber gun. The bust occurred mere blocks from the prestigious Horace Mann School.
The seizure is the largest ever recorded by the Drug Enforcement Administration in NYC, and the fourth largest in the U.S.
“The $50 million street value of the heroin in this case is a conservative estimate. To put it in perspective, this load was so large it carried the potential of supplying a dose of heroin to every man, woman and child in New York City," Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan said in a statement. "While this important seizure stopped a huge amount of heroin from flooding our city, it also highlights the critical need to intercept heroin before it ever reaches our region.”
Jose A. Mercedes and Yenci Francisco were both arrested on Sunday. Both have been charged with drug trafficking and first degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Two additional defendants were arrested in November.
