90 Pounds of Fentanyl Seized from Three Narcotics Mills in NYC

Raids in the Bronx and Manhattan lead to eight arrests and the dismantling of large-scale fentanyl packaging operations

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:36pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pile of white powder and small translucent envelopes, conceptually representing the seized fentanyl and packaging materials from the narcotics mills.A massive fentanyl seizure exposes the ruthless operations of drug traffickers exploiting vulnerable communities.NYC Today

New York City law enforcement, in partnership with the DEA, shut down three fentanyl packaging mills in the Bronx and Manhattan, seizing a total of 90 pounds of the deadly narcotic worth around $7.5 million. Eight individuals were charged in connection with the operations, which were allegedly independent of one another and located within three miles of each other. The raids also uncovered thousands of pre-packaged fentanyl envelopes stamped with brand names, as well as two loaded firearms.

Why it matters

Fentanyl has become a major driver of the opioid crisis in New York City, leading to a surge in overdose deaths. This large-scale bust represents a significant disruption to the local drug trade and a victory for law enforcement in their efforts to keep fentanyl off the streets and protect vulnerable communities.

The details

Police, working with the DEA, raided three fentanyl packaging mills in the Bronx and Manhattan on Wednesday. At the first location in the Bronx, they seized over 55 pounds of fentanyl and xylazine, along with thousands of pre-packaged envelopes stamped with brand names. The second Bronx location, near the Bronx Zoo and local schools, yielded 16 pounds of fentanyl and $20,000 in cash. The third location in Washington Heights had around 22 pounds of fentanyl, as well as two loaded firearms.

  • The raids were carried out on Wednesday, April 10, 2026.
  • The three locations were all within three miles of each other in the Bronx and Manhattan.

The players

Bridget Brennan

New York City's Special Narcotics Prosecutor who celebrated the bust and reaffirmed the city's commitment to keeping fentanyl off the streets.

Jessica Tisch

NYPD Commissioner who said the individuals thought they could turn communities into a "full-scale fentanyl packaging mill" with "callous disregard for human life".

Darcel D. Clark

Bronx District Attorney who said the large volume of narcotics seized will keep Bronx families safer.

Leocadio Nunez-Olivares

38-year-old Washington Heights resident charged in connection with the first packaging mill.

Hector Tavarez, Jose Hidalgo, Hector Tavarez Negrin, Neriy Vlerio

Four men charged in connection with the second Bronx location.

Gerardo Rivera, Hilisu Garcia, Samir Tejada Almanzar

Three men charged in connection with the Washington Heights location, where two loaded guns were also found.

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What they’re saying

“These individuals thought they could turn our communities into a full-scale fentanyl packaging mill, churning out drugs with a callous disregard for human life.”

— Jessica Tisch, NYPD Commissioner

“Too many families have lost a loved one from this terrible scourge of drug addiction. It is incalculable, the number of people that 90 pounds of fentanyl could harm. These drug traffickers do not care about human life, which is why we must continue to root them out.”

— Darcel D. Clark, Bronx District Attorney

“These arrests and prosecutions send a clear message: New York City will tirelessly track and disrupt fentanyl profiteers who have claimed too many precious lives.”

— Bridget G. Brennan, New York City's Special Narcotics Prosecutor

What’s next

Prosecutors will continue to build cases against the eight individuals charged, and law enforcement will remain vigilant in disrupting fentanyl distribution networks across New York City.

The takeaway

This large-scale fentanyl bust represents a significant victory in the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis ravaging communities in New York City. By dismantling these independent packaging mills, authorities have taken a major supply of the deadly narcotic off the streets and sent a strong message that they will relentlessly pursue those profiting from the suffering of vulnerable individuals and families.