NEW YORK, N.Y. (PIX11) — A group of people were detained after police uncovered a trio of fentanyl packing mills operating out of apartment buildings in Washington Heights, Mount Eden and Belmont, the Special Narcotics Prosecutor’s Office said.
According to police, over 90 pounds of fentanyl, more than $30,000 cash and two loaded guns were seized during searches at three apartments back in April. Agents and investigators also discovered equipment necessary for packaging fentanyl, including glassine envelopes, scales, presses, blenders and stamps for branding.
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A total of eight individuals, aged 20 to 72, face charges following the investigation. Gerardo Rivera, 50, Hilisu Garcia, 29, and Samir Tejada Almanzar, 20, all of New York, are accused of running the packing mill in Washington Heights, the Special Narcotics Prosecutor’s Office said.
The three suspects face charges of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First and Third Degrees, Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Firearm.
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According to police, the packing mill in Belmont was allegedly run by three residents of the Bronx and one of Yonkers. The suspects include Hector Tavarez, 38, Jose Hidalgo, 25, Neriy Vlerio, 31 and Hector Tavarez Negrin, 72. All four face charges of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First and Third Degrees…