New York police seize $10 million in cocaine, a decade's record

New York authorities have seized approximately 263 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $10 million, in what officials are calling the largest confiscation of the drug in at least a decade. Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the seizure.

Jessica Tisch, the New York City Police Commissioner, announced the bust at a joint press conference with the DEA and other agencies. She stated that the narcotics shipment was linked to an interstate trafficking network with connections across the country. The operation, which involved multiple agencies, was the result of several months of "meticulous" investigation.

The majority of the cocaine, packed into 147 bricks, was discovered inside a van. An additional 83 bricks were found in boxes outside the vehicle on Long Island. Authorities arrested Nelson Salcedo, 35, a resident of New Jersey, in Queens as he was unloading the cocaine into a warehouse. "This is a huge amount of narcotics that will never be broken down, packaged, sold, or distributed in our neighborhoods," Tisch said.

“

This is a huge amount of narcotics that will never be broken down, packaged, sold, or distributed in our neighborhoods.

Towanda Thorne James, the DEA's Special Agent in Charge for New Jersey, emphasized the significance of the bust for public safety. "Thanks to this investigation and the excellent collaboration between our law enforcement partners, more than 580 pounds of cocaine will not make it to our streets," she stated, highlighting the devastating impact illegal drugs have on individuals, families, and communities.

Salcedo has been charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the first and third degrees and pleaded not guilty. He is currently being held at Rikers Island jail on $50,000 bail. The identities of the other two arrested individuals have not yet been released. Officials also noted that this type of cocaine is often mixed with dangerous substances like fentanyl.

“

Thanks to this investigation and the excellent collaboration between our law enforcement partners, more than 580 pounds of cocaine will not make it to our streets.