Federal law‑enforcement officials announced Tuesday that more than 30 kilograms of cocaine—roughly 66 pounds—were seized from two United Parcel Service (UPS) retail locations in New York City. The packages were found in a Brooklyn store and a Manhattan store during coordinated raids.
Charges and alleged method
Three men have been charged with interstate drug trafficking. According to Homeland Security special agents, the suspects used UPS to move the narcotics across state lines, employing counterfeit identification and surveillance tactics to evade detection. The agents allege the smugglers attempted to disguise the shipments as legitimate commercial parcels.
Value and impact
Officials estimate the street value of the seized cocaine at approximately $900,000. Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan warned that the city’s cocaine supply is on the rise, noting that the drug is frequently combined with lethal opioids and other synthetic substances. She added that cocaine has been detected in more than half of all overdose deaths in New York City.
Law‑enforcement response
The operation involved collaboration between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the New York Police Department and federal prosecutors. The seized drugs will be held as evidence while the defendants await arraignment. Prosecutors indicated that the case underscores a broader effort to disrupt organized drug‑smuggling networks that exploit commercial shipping services.
Community concerns
Local residents and business owners expressed concern that the incident highlights vulnerabilities in parcel‑delivery systems that can be abused by criminal enterprises. While UPS has not issued a public statement, the company’s national security policies emphasize cooperation with law‑enforcement agencies when illegal activity is identified.
The three accused individuals face significant federal penalties if convicted, including lengthy prison terms and substantial fines. The case remains under investigation, and authorities say they will continue to monitor shipping channels for similar illicit activity.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
