90 Pounds of Fentanyl Seized in Massive Bronx Drug Bust

8 Suspects Arrested After Takedown of 3 Fentanyl Packaging Mills

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:14pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a pile of small, clear plastic bags filled with a white powdery substance, dramatically lit by a harsh flash against a dark background, conceptually representing the seized fentanyl from a major drug bust.The massive fentanyl seizure represents a major disruption to the distribution of the deadly synthetic opioid in New York City.NYC Today

In a major crackdown on the opioid crisis, authorities seized approximately 90 pounds of fentanyl worth $7.5 million and arrested 8 individuals during a coordinated raid on three fentanyl packaging mills located in residential areas and near schools in the Bronx and Washington Heights.

Why it matters

The massive fentanyl seizure represents a significant disruption to the distribution of the highly potent and deadly synthetic opioid, which has fueled an ongoing overdose epidemic in New York City and across the United States. The takedown of the packaging mills, located in close proximity to homes and schools, also highlights the brazen nature of drug trafficking operations and the urgent need for enhanced enforcement and community-based prevention efforts.

The details

On Wednesday, the DEA, NYPD, and the New York City Special Prosecutor's Office executed a coordinated raid on three fentanyl packaging mills within a three-mile radius in the Bronx and Washington Heights. Investigators recovered approximately 90 pounds of fentanyl, worth an estimated $7.5 million, as well as over $30,000 in cash and two loaded firearms. The packaging mills were operating out of residential apartment buildings, posing a serious threat to nearby families and schoolchildren.

  • The takedown occurred on Wednesday afternoon.
  • Authorities had been monitoring the packaging mills for an undisclosed period before the raid.

The players

DEA

The Drug Enforcement Administration, a federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States.

NYPD

The New York City Police Department, the largest municipal police force in the United States.

New York City Special Prosecutor's Office

A specialized unit within the New York City government that investigates and prosecutes complex criminal cases, including those involving organized crime and drug trafficking.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“A lot of these mills will be dormant for long periods of time, and just coincidentally, on this day, the question is when do you hit it? It's a tactical decision, but we like to see bags going in. We don't like to see bags coming out. Bags coming out means it's going to be distributed.”

— Christopher Roberts, DEA Special Agent in Charge

What’s next

Prosecutors will now work to build strong cases against the 8 suspects arrested, with the goal of securing lengthy prison sentences and disrupting the drug trafficking network. Authorities will also continue to investigate the source of the fentanyl and any potential links to larger criminal organizations.

The takeaway

This bust represents a significant victory in the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis, which has devastated communities across New York City and the country. However, the discovery of these packaging mills operating in close proximity to homes and schools underscores the urgent need for a multi-pronged approach that combines robust law enforcement, community-based prevention efforts, and expanded access to addiction treatment and harm reduction services.