Federal authorities report man transported over 30 pounds of fentanyl on New York City subway system
Another drug mill involving fentanyl has been discovered by investigators in the Bronx, as per reports. New York authorities have been cracking down on drug trafficking in the area, and this recent discovery is a significant step towards curbing the illegal drug trade.
This location was also discovered, Less than a mile away from the daycare where a tragic incident resulted in the death of a 1-year-old boy due to fentanyl exposure.
According to investigators, Juan Gabriel Herrera Vargas was caught carrying a suitcase filled with fentanyl while riding the subway on Tuesday. He was headed towards an apartment near Kingsbridge Road, but was stopped by authorities en route.
According to the DEA, investigators confiscated over 40 pounds of fentanyl, with a significant portion discovered inside a suitcase that Herrera Vargas abandoned while attempting to escape.
During that evening, according to the DEA, agents observed him departing from an apartment located at Kingsbridge Road and Heath Avenue, carrying yet another suitcase.
After apprehending Herrera Vargas, authorities discovered an additional quantity of narcotics in the bag.
Brenda Wooton expressed her fear with a simple statement, “It’s scary.”
Every week, Wooton visits a building to look after an elderly friend.
“It’s dangerous when there are kids and elderly around, and I am also present. Getting on an elevator with people whose identity I am not aware of makes me uneasy,” expressed the individual.
Upon conducting a search at the apartment on Tuesday night, the DEA discovered additional quantities of fentanyl and materials for packaging just blocks away from the day care where four children were recently exposed to the drug. Although no one answered the door during the investigators’ visit on Thursday, the findings highlight the proximity of drug-related activities to innocent bystanders, such as children attending day care facilities.
The prevalence of an opioid that the DEA claims is 50 times more potent than heroin is a tragic reminder. It’s a heart-wrenching reality that cannot be ignored.
Herrera Vargas is facing serious charges from the New York City Special Narcotics prosecutor. He is being accused of operating as a major trafficker, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and criminally using drug paraphernalia.
According to estimates, the drugs were valued at $1.5 million on the street.
“The public outcry after the poisoning death of a toddler was not enough to stop a drug mill from operating just six blocks away from that day care,” DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino said. “Herrera Vargas took danger one step further and wheeled over 40 pounds of fentanyl around the city and on the subway with no regard to public safety.”
“The defendant is charged with transporting almost 30 pounds of fentanyl bricks in a rolling suitcase on a subway, through a subway station, and on the sidewalks of a busy Bronx neighborhood,” Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget Brennan said.
Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark has emphasized the importance of eliminating drug traffickers from the community following the discovery of another significant amount of fentanyl in the area. The Bronx has been a hotspot for fentanyl distribution for years, leading to countless fatalities. The tragic death of one-year-old Nicholas Dominici serves as a stark reminder that action must be taken to eradicate this issue. Clark stressed the need for relentless efforts to remove these dangerous individuals from the city and prevent further harm to the community.
Read More: Bronx day care center sees another arrest in connection to toddler’s death linked to fentanyl
