Authorities say the Bronx man had $3 million in cash and 30 pounds of stuffing inside his furniture.
Agents who went to the Norwood home of Dominican Republic native Juan London found 12 kilograms of coke and $3 million in cash in a secret compartment of some furniture, DEA Special Agent Frank Tarentino said. Ta.
“The multi-million dollar drug den looked like a normal apartment building until agents and investigators discovered hidden compartments of various furniture filled with contraband,” he said.
London, 60, was arrested Wednesday around 4:30 p.m. after he was seen entering 3405 Gates Place with a bag and leaving a short time later with the same bag.
He then returned to the building empty-handed.
When drug enforcement officers stopped him, he was in possession of cocaine and a key to Apartment 2A, officials said.
A search of the apartment with the help of a New York State Police K9 unit found secret trap compartments attached to some of the furniture, officials said.
“The dresser, nightstand, and coffee table contained large hidden compartments filled with bags containing cash,” officials said in a statement. “The money was wrapped in bundles and had labels with dates from previous years on them.”
Officials said at least 10 luxury watches, including Rolex and Cartier watches, were also found hidden in nightstand traps.
Officials said that despite the large amount of cash, drugs and jewelry, the apartment appeared to lack security and protection.
London, who was deported for unknown reasons in 2006, was charged with operating as a major trafficker and first- and third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, officials said.
London was held without bail and sent to Rikers Island.
Law enforcement officials said he had previous drug arrests. The City of London’s public defender did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
New York City Narcotics Special Prosecutor: “Over several years, the indicted major trafficker apparently squandered more than $3 million, including secret compartments in his furniture, wads of cash held together with rubber bands, and expensive watches.” , filled it to the brim with several kilograms of cocaine,” Bridget Brennan said. “The lack of special security equipment or hardened locks in a nondescript apartment suggests a false sense of confidence.”
New York State Police and the New York City Police Department also joined the investigation.
“These charges reflect New York City’s latest multi-agency effort to hold accountable those allegedly responsible for flooding our neighborhoods with illegal drugs,” said Police Chief Edward Caban. he said.
