A major drug bust in Fordham led to the evacuation of two daycares Monday after investigators say a suspect threw fentanyl from a third-floor apartment window while officers moved in to arrest him.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, 14 children were evacuated from two daycares on the first floor of the apartment building at 2075 Morris Ave. as a precaution. Investigators said the suspect attempted to dispose of evidence by throwing fentanyl out of a third-floor window, creating a potentially dangerous situation for anyone below.
Authorities arrested 62-year-old Antonio Cabrera and charged him with criminal possession of a controlled substance, reckless endangerment and criminally using drug paraphernalia.
Investigators said they recovered approximately 10 pounds of fentanyl from Cabrera's apartment. They said surfaces throughout the apartment were covered in white powder, and that officers also found equipment believed to have been used to package fentanyl.
Cabrera remains held without bail.
Residents described a chaotic scene as law enforcement carried out the operation.
"I've lived here for years and nothing like that has ever happened here," resident Ella said. "I'm scared because there's a lot of day cares in this building. It's very dangerous."
The building is located about a mile from El Divino Niño Daycare, where a 2-year-old child died after being exposed to fentanyl in 2023.
Authorities said all 14 children were safely evacuated during Monday's operation, and no injuries were reported.