On Wednesday, March 20, law enforcement agencies including the New York State Police Troop K Violent Gangs and Narcotic Enforcement Team, Unit K9 from Dutchess County, the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the New York City Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor conducted a warrant search to apprehend the dealer, Juan Rondon, aged 60, from the Bronx. Trooper AJ Hicks provided this information.
According to Hicks, law enforcement officials discovered over 12 kilograms of cocaine and a staggering $3 million in cash concealed within the residence while executing the search warrant.
According to the DEA spokesperson Erin Mulvey, investigators and agents were conducting surveillance outside 3405 Gates Place on the day of the arrest. They claimed to have observed Rondon entering the building with a bag and leaving with the same bag shortly afterward. He then returned to the building without the bag.
Around 4:40 p.m., investigators and agents noticed Rondon exiting 3405 Gates Ave., Apt. 2A for the second time. They apprehended him in the lobby, where he was found to be in possession of a quantity of cocaine and the keys to Apartment 2A.
During the investigation, the authorities executed a search warrant for the apartment and uncovered hidden compartments in various pieces of furniture.
Mulvey revealed that dressers, nightstands, and a coffee table were hiding hefty secret compartments filled with bags of cash. The money was neatly organized into bundles and each bundle was labeled with the corresponding date, covering a span of several years.
According to reports, the coffee table was said to have held around 12 kilograms of cocaine, along with a portion of the cash.
A hidden trap in a nightstand yielded a surprising discovery – at least 10 luxury watches, including renowned brands such as Rolex and Cartier, were recovered.
The DEA noted that despite the presence of significant amounts of money, narcotics, and jewelry, the apartment did not seem to have any security equipment or fortifications.
Rondon was arrested and accused of the following charges:
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- Operating as a major trafficker
- Criminal possession of a controlled substance
- Two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance
“A collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies has once again led to a significant confiscation of dangerous narcotics,” stated Steven G. James, Acting Superintendent of the New York State Police.
This interception not only saved lives but also brought an end to the violence often associated with drug trafficking.
“The New York State Police remains committed to working diligently with our partners to ensure that dangerous individuals, such as Mr. Rondon, are apprehended and brought to justice.”
