K-9 exposed during major fentanyl raid in Bronx and Washington Heights
Eight people are facing charges after investigators say they were running large-scale fentanyl packaging mills inside residential buildings in the Bronx and Washington Heights.
More Stories
An NYPD K-9 was exposed to narcotics during a major drug bust this week.
Eight people are facing charges after investigators say they were running large-scale fentanyl packaging mills inside residential buildings in the Bronx and Washington Heights.
Authorities seized more than 40 kilograms (roughly 90 pounds) of fentanyl during three separate operations carried out Wednesday. Officials say the drugs have an estimated street value in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Investigators say the operations were based out of apartment buildings, where fentanyl was being processed and packaged using blenders, kilo presses, scales and glassine envelopes. Authorities also recovered more than $30,000 in cash and two loaded firearms during the searches.
Officials say the packaging mills were operating within a three-mile radius. One of the locations on Prospect Avenue in the Bronx is just steps away from two schools and the Bronx Zoo, raising concerns about the dangers posed to nearby families.
During the investigation, an NYPD K-9 named Mulk helped officers locate narcotics inside one of the apartments. Authorities say the dog was exposed to fentanyl during the search and had to be treated with Narcan. Mulk is expected to recover.
Prosecutors also warned that fentanyl is often mixed with xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer, which does not respond to Narcan and increases the risk of fatal overdoses.
“Too many families have lost loved ones to drug addiction,” Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan said. “We will continue to target those who profit from this deadly trade.”
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and that they are focused on identifying and prosecuting those at the top of these drug distribution networks.
