Federal and state authorities seized more than $1.1 million worth of cocaine and methamphetamine from a New York City apartment Tuesday night, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) prosecutors announced Friday.
New York City Police, New York State Police and Drug Enforcement Administration agents seized 30 pounds of methamphetamine and more than 8 pounds of coke, both of which were found in a bedroom closet at the luxury hotel. mercedes house A residence in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York City. according to Click here for a press release from the New York City Special Narcotics Prosecutor’s Office. In addition to the drugs, authorities found $27,880 in cash hidden in the backpack, according to the release.
The seizure resulted in the arrest of Giovani Salas, 29, of Colorado, and Sergio Betancourt Peralta, 34, of Manhattan, according to the release. Each suspect was charged with first-, second- and third-degree possession of a controlled substance, according to the release. Both suspects have ties to Mexico, as indicated by documents seized by officers and agents, according to the release. (Related: Pete Buttigieg avoids reasons why Biden won’t reinstate Trump’s ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy)
police arrested
👿 Giovanny Salas, 29 years old,
👿Sergio Peralta, 34, charged on March 12 with first-, second- and third-degree possession of a controlled substance. pic.twitter.com/qTgYz41uBa— JB Friedman (@JayeB62620916) March 15, 2024
“These individuals had no regard for the danger this operation posed to them or to this community,” said New York State Police Acting Superintendent Stephen G. James.
The court-authorized search warrant was granted as part of an “investigation into methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking in New York City,” the release states. (Related article: Largest counterfeit bust in U.S. history leads to two arrests and more than $1 billion seized)
Undercover agents representing the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, a division of the DEA, conducted surveillance of the neighborhood before the search warrant was executed, according to the statement.
Unmarked units reportedly witnessed Salas exiting the residence in an elevator and descending from the 27th floor, where the subject’s apartment was located, to the main lobby below. There, he was met by DEA agents and police, according to the release.
Officers and deputies proceeded to arrest Salas and during that time they discovered a wallet containing identification with the second suspect’s name on it and an apartment key, the statement said.
Shortly after, authorities executed a search warrant on Unit 27F and encountered Betancourt-Peralta inside. He was also taken into custody, according to the release.
38 pounds of meth and cocaine recovered in $1.1 million drug bust at luxury New York high-rise https://t.co/PmqaN3rKtd pic.twitter.com/g2hXIMYYH
— New York Post Metro (@nypmetro) March 15, 2024
“Our investigations, which span New York City and around the world, led to the seizure of $1 million in cocaine in Hell’s Kitchen,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino, according to a press release. ” he said. “DEA and our law enforcement partners are working resolutely to bring those responsible for pushing illegal drugs onto our streets to justice.”
Salas and Betancourt-Peralta were arraigned Wednesday night in Manhattan Criminal Court. They remain in custody at Rikers Island until either $75,000 bail or $100,000 bail is posted. new york post report.
The suspected drug-trafficking duo left behind a luxury apartment boasting a variety of amenities, including a 24-hour front desk concierge. listed On the Mercedes House website. Other on-site luxuries include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a full-service day spa, whirlpool area, indoor basketball court, sauna and steam room, private gym and boxing, yoga and spin studio, but… Not limited.
