The Bobster
Senior News Editor since 2004
38 pounds of meth, cocaine recovered in $1.1M drug bust at posh NYC high-rise
Nearly 40 pounds of meth and coke were seized from a swanky luxury apartment in Hell’s Kitchen this week in a bust that stopped more than $1.1 million worth of cocaine and methamphetamine fro…
nypost.com
38 pounds of meth, cocaine recovered in $1.1M drug bust at posh NYC high-rise
By
Social Links for Chris Nesi
Published March 15, 2024, 4:51 p.m. ET
Nearly 40 pounds of narcotics were seized from a swanky luxury apartment in Hell’s Kitchen this week in a bust that stopped more than $1.1 million worth of cocaine and methamphetamine from being distributed on city streets.
Police arrested Jovanny Salas, 29, and Sergio Peralta, 34, on March 12, charging them with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the first, second and third degrees.
The two men appear to have ties to Mexico, based on ID documents found in their possession.
The arrests followed a multi-agency investigation into drug trafficking in the Big Apple, which included the NYPD, the New York State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
5 Cops found 38 pounds of cocaine and methamphetamine inside an apartment at a luxury high-rise in Hell’s Kitchen Tuesday, along with nearly $30,000 cash. Special Narcotics prosecutors office
The joint effort led investigators to 550 W. 54th Street, a luxury residential building where the drugs were recovered. Available apartments in the building range from $3,845 for a studio to $8,150 for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence, according to StreetEasy.
Cops spotted Salas leaving the apartment at approximately 5:47 p.m. Tuesday. He took the elevator to the lobby, where he was detained by agents and officers.
Upon searching him, authorities found a wallet containing Peralta’s identification and a key that allegedly opened the door to apartment 27F, police said.
At 5:55 p.m., members of the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force (NYDETF) entered the apartment to conduct a court-authorized search, where they found and arrested Peralta.
5 The multi-agency investigation led authorities to 550 W. 54th Street, a luxury residential building in Hell’s Kitchen.
5 Jovanny Salas’ Mexican voter registration, Colorado driver’s license and US passport were found in the apartment when he was arrested. DEA
5 Agents and officers also seized Sergio Peralta’s Mexican passport and expired US visa/border-crossing card. DEA
Investigators recovered approximately 30 pounds of methamphetamine — a powerful and illegal stimulant — and more than 8 pounds of cocaine packed in a suitcase inside a bedroom closet.
They also found a backpack containing approximately $27,880 in cash.
Agents and officers also seized Peralta’s Mexican passport and expired US visa/border-crossing card, and Salas’ Mexican voter registration, Colorado driver’s license and US passport.
“The charges stemming from this case demonstrate the unwavering commitment of the NYPD, the DEA, and all of our law enforcement partners to investigate thoroughly anyone allegedly involved in the illicit drug trade in New York City,” NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban said in a statement.
5 Officers found the drugs stashed in a suitcase in a bedroom closet and arrested two men. Special Narcotics prosecutors office
“These arrests send a clear message that we will continue to be relentless in seizing poisonous substances before they are distributed throughout our neighborhoods.”
New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven G. James excoriated the suspects for their alleged activities, which he said put the entire community at risk.
“These individuals had no regard for the dangers they, or this operation, brought to this community,” James said in a statement.
“Today’s charges are a result of an aggressive strategy to stop illegal drug operations and keep deadly substances off our streets.”
Both Peralta and Salas were arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court on Wednesday night. Both men are being held at Rikers Island on $75,000 bail or $100,000 bond.
They’re next due in court March 18. It was not immediately known if they had retained attorneys.