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Investigators Seize $15M in Heroin in Bronx Drug Mill Bust, Officials Say

By Ben Fractenberg | July 1, 2016 5:23pm | Updated on July 5, 2016 8:43am
 Authorities seized more than $15 million in heroin from a drug mill at 2115 Harrison Ave. in The Bronx on June 30, 2016. 
Heroin Mill Bust
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THE BRONX — Investigators busted one of the largest heroin mills in New York City history, seizing more than one million prepackaged glassine envelopes worth up to $15 million and stamped with names including “Red Bull,” Priority Mail,” and “Sweet Dreams,” the New York Special Narcotics Prosecutor announced Friday.

Local and federal agents found the 64 kilograms of heroin and $350,000 after arresting nine people at the drug den at 2115 Harrison Ave. in The Bronx on Thursday, according to officials. Agents had been monitoring the home as part of an ongoing drug investigation.

"With overdoses occurring at an alarming rate, the NYPD and its law enforcement partners have pledged to aggressively pursue those who engage in the heroin trade," said NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton in a statement. "These arrests, and the seizure of more than 60 kilograms of the drug, speaks to our continued commitment."

Drug Enforcement Task Force agents spotted two men leaving the 3-story home at about 3:30 p.m. carrying two heavy-weighted bags.

They stopped the two men — Fran Hernandez and Willy Monegro — and found $50,000 in cash wrapped in bundles.

Hernandez was also arrested in a separate Bronx heroin bust about four months ago, according to officials.

Agents then saw a third man, Gendelson Marrero, leave the home and arrested him as well.

The officers then approached the front and rear of the building and saw three men — Carlos Cabrera, Cesar Cabreja and Antonio Jimenez — run out and try to climb over a fence after officers knocked on the front door.

They arrested the men and then entered the back door of the home where they saw evidence of the heroin mill.

Agents found three more people hiding in the three-bedroom home: Anyelo Asiatico Geraldino, Carlos Concepcion Paniagui and Ysmairy Burgos.

The officers then obtained a warrant to fully investigate the residence, where they found additional evidence of the mill, including grinders used to process the heroin, packaging materials and face masks.

The defendants were charged with criminal sale or possession of a controlled substance and were expected to be arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court.