NYC pizzeria busted after 100 pounds of illegal drugs, valued at $4 million, discovered during raid

Three people have been arrested in the Bronx after being busted with over approximately 100 pounds of illegal drugs, valued at $4 million, according to authorities.

The seizure of the illicit substances took place last week at Mexzzarella Pizza, according to WNYW-TV.

"We're talking about over a hundred pounds of various types of drugs, mostly cocaine, but also fentanyl, and we're seeing fentanyl mixed in all drugs," Frank Tarentino, DEA special agent in charge of the NY Division, said.

The three individuals arrested were Gaudencio Rosendo Perez, 47, Zulema Cardenas Espinoza, 53, and Alexander Samboy, 45. All three were charged with operating as a trafficker as well as criminal possession of controlled substances.

The three were arraigned on Friday in Manhattan Criminal Court. Though Perez was remanded, the court set bail for the other two at $150,000.

The total amount of drugs discovered by the authorities is said to have a street value of around $4 million, according to the New York Post.

“The large stash of cocaine found in the basement of Mexzzarella Pizza is very significant because it had the potential to supply drug networks throughout the Northeast,” Tarentino said. “Cocaine is being laced with fentanyl, which is contributing to poisonings and unnecessary deaths in New York and across the country.”

Bridget G. Brennan, an NYC special narcotics prosecutor, said that "this is highly profitable Bronx-based narcotics operation appeared to operate as a wholesaler and distributor of cocaine and fentanyl laced products, and was advertised as an ‘inexpensive Mexican pizza spot.’”

“Our office will continue to work with our federal, state and local enforcement partners to stem the distribution of lethal drugs that claimed the lives of a record high number of people in our city last year.”

WNYW reported that following items were discovered during the investigation:

• 42 kilograms of suspected cocaine;
• 1 kilogram of heroin/fentanyl;
• 1,000 glassine envelopes containing suspected oxycodone and fentanyl;
• Large rocks of cocaine;
• A kilo press;
• Around $40,000 from the basement.

The pizzeria is located right across the street from a public school.

The investigation was reportedly a collective effort by the NYPD, DEA, New York State Police, New York City Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, and the Rockland County District Attorney's Office.

100+ pounds of drugs seized from Bronx pizzeria, police saywww.youtube.com

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