A new drug mill has been discovered in the Bronx, this time with a fentanyl connection, as per investigators. This latest discovery adds to the already existing drug problem in the area.
Just a short distance from the day care center where the tragedy involving the fentanyl exposure and subsequent death of a 1-year-old boy occurred, another location was found.
According to investigators, Juan Gabriel Herrera Vargas was spotted riding the subway on Tuesday carrying a suitcase filled with fentanyl. He disembarked at Kingsbridge Road and was on his way to an apartment when detectives intercepted him en route.
According to the DEA, a significant amount of fentanyl, approximately 40 pounds, was confiscated during a recent investigation. Herrera Vargas, the subject of the investigation, abandoned his suitcase full of the drug while attempting to flee from agents.
The DEA reported that later that evening, agents observed him exiting an apartment located at Kingsbridge Road and Heath Avenue, carrying yet another suitcase.
Herrera Vargas was taken into custody by the authorities, who claimed to have discovered an additional amount of drugs in the bag.
Brenda Wooton expressed her fear, stating, “It’s scary.”
Every week, Wooton makes a visit to a building to look after an elderly friend.
“I’m surrounded by children and the elderly, and it’s concerning to ride the elevator with strangers. I don’t know who these people are, and it makes me feel uneasy.”
Upon arriving at the apartment on Thursday, there was no answer at the door. The DEA had previously conducted a search of the premises on Tuesday night, where they discovered additional quantities of fentanyl and packaging materials. It is alarming to note that this apartment is located just a few blocks away from the daycare where four children were recently exposed to the deadly substance.
The prevalence of an opioid that is reportedly 50 times more potent than heroin is a sad and painful reminder of the devastating effects of drug abuse. The DEA’s warning about this substance is a stark illustration of the dangers that such drugs pose to individuals and communities alike. It is essential that we continue to raise awareness about the risks associated with opioid use and work towards finding effective solutions to combat this growing epidemic.
According to reports, Herrera Vargas is facing charges from the Special Narcotics prosecutor in New York City for operating as a major trafficker, as well as criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminally using drug paraphernalia.
According to reports, the drugs found were worth an approximate value of $1.5 million when sold on the street.
According to DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino, even after the tragic death of a toddler due to poisoning, the public’s outcry failed to put an end to a drug mill operating just six blocks away from the daycare. Vargas took this danger to a whole new level by transporting over 40 pounds of fentanyl on the subway and throughout the city, without any concern for public safety.
According to Bridget Brennan, the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, the accused individual is facing charges for carrying nearly 30 pounds of fentanyl bricks in a rolling suitcase. This transportation of the illegal substance allegedly took place on a subway, through a subway station, and on the sidewalks of a bustling Bronx neighborhood.
In the Bronx, yet another significant stash of fentanyl has been discovered. Sadly, the community has long been a focal point for the distribution of this deadly drug, resulting in countless fatalities. The tragic passing of one-year-old Nicholas Dominici serves as a somber reminder that it is imperative to take a relentless approach in removing drug traffickers from our city. As per Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, we must not waver in our efforts to combat this dire issue.
More News: Another suspect apprehended in connection to fentanyl-related death of toddler at Bronx day care
