Law enforcement source: 4 taken into custody during fentanyl bust near Bronx elementary school
NEW YORK -- A law enforcement source says four people were taken into custody during a fentanyl bust near a Bronx elementary school Thursday.
Federal law enforcement agents spent the afternoon going in and out of a home on Beaumont Avenue in the Belmont section. At times, they were seen wearing bulletproof vests, hazmat suits and gas masks.
"I thought it was a movie," neighbor Ray Rodriguez said. "They just started coming in like a hit squad, you know, military, and they just jumped out and all I hear is two big bangs and, 'Everybody against the wall.'"
It was a joint operation involving the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, New York State Police and the NYPD.
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We're told fentanyl was seized, but it's still unclear how much.
Law enforcement sources say at least four pill press machines were recovered from the home and that they were being used to make fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl.
Agents say this is another example of the fentanyl crisis in New York City.
"This is ridiculous. This needs to stop," neighbor Theresa Pinto said.
"I'm angry. That's not right. It's very deadly everywhere," another neighbor said.
According to the DEA, 7 out of 10 fake pills are laced with a lethal dose of fentanyl.
The home where agents say Thursday's bust took place is two buildings away from a school. There is even a sign nearby that says "Drug-Free School Zone."
"It's, like, heartbreaking 'cause, you know, kids, elementary schools, a day care down the block," neighbor Tiara Chase said. "It's easy for the kids to pick up something off the ground, put it in their mouth."
Agents say it doesn't appear kids lived inside the home.
No further details are available about the four people taken into custody.
- Related story: New York City is a hub for drug cartels and fentanyl distribution, DEA New York Division special agent in charge says
There were no injuries during the bust.
The investigation is ongoing.
