Thousands of dollars' worth of drugs, $85K in cash uncovered in Highbridge drug bust
Agents and investigators found more than two pounds of cocaine, more than three pounds of ketamine, marijuana, and psychedelic mushrooms inside the home.
More than five pounds of illegal drugs and $85,000 in cash were found in a drug bust in Highbridge back on April 30, according to authorities.
Agents and investigators entered the three-bedroom duplex inside 69 West 149th Street at approximately 9:15a.m.
The Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor’s (SNP) Special Investigations Bureau and Investigators Unit, the DEA New York Task Force Division, the New York City Police Department and the New York State Police conducted the investigation.
Agents and investigators found more than two pounds of cocaine, more than three pounds of ketamine, marijuana, and psychedelic mushrooms inside the home.
Investigators believe a bedroom on the second floor was used as an office to carry out drug activity.
They found inside the office $85,000 in cash neatly stacked on a desk near a money counting machine.
Authorities arrested and charged Eduardo Ramirez Salinas and Jonathan Franco with criminal possession of a controlled substance.
NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch applauded the efforts by law enforcements.
“The defendants in this case turned a Bronx home into a dangerous drug den, stashing more than 5 pounds of illegal poison — including cocaine, ketamine, and other narcotics — that threatened a thriving community," Tisch said.
A resident who identified herself as Clemencia lives next door to the alleged drug house and was surprised by the arrests.
"I find it strange, because I see the men and they appear normal, we’ve never had any problems," she said.
Other neighbors like Jimmy were not shocked by the discovery. He said drug activity is common in the community.
"I'm not surprised. That happens a lot down here," Jimmy said.
In response to the drug bust, Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark said in a statement, “I commend my local, state and federal law enforcement partners, and Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget Brennan, for continued vigilance against illegal, dangerous drugs in our community. Five pounds of cocaine, ketamine, and MDMA (Ecstasy) and over 100 pounds of marijuana were intercepted, before very risky combinations of narcotics reached the streets, posing health risks.”
