New York Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent-In-Charge John P. Gilbride (DEA), Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan and Stamford Police Chief Brent Larrabee announced the arrests of three people in connection with a drug organization based in Stamford, Connecticut that distributed cocaine throughout New York City. Thirty seven kilograms of cocaine, 10 grams of marijuana and approximately $1,000,000 were seized during this investigation.
During the six-month investigation, agents identified Eduardo Taverez, Victor Marte and Harry Estevez as members of this drug distribution enterprise. On November 5, 2009 members of the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force DEA-Group T-21, Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, DEA’s Bridgeport Resident Office and Stamford Police Department conducted an extensive surveillance on the defendants which led to the seizure of $1,000,000 U.S. Currency and 37 kilograms of cocaine which were found in 255 Strawberry Hill Avenue, Apt. C-4, Stamford, Connecticut.
DEA Special Agent-In-Charge John P. Gilbride stated, “Time after time we have seen drug distributing organizations operating outside of New York City to evade law enforcement, which signifies drug trafficker’s mistaken belief that if you stash drugs, or the proceeds generated from drug trafficking, outside of New York City – law enforcement will not find you. This investigation illustrates law enforcement’s commitment to investigating and ultimately identifying those responsible for delivering drugs throughout our community.”
New York City Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan said, “The results achieved last night — the seizure of more than 80 pounds of cocaine and about one million dollars — are directly linked to the outstanding efforts and keen investigative sense of all the law enforcement people involved in this investigation. Efforts like this are the best weapon against those who try to smuggle large amounts of narcotics for distribution in New York City.”
Stamford Police Chief Brent Larrabee stated, “In this investigation, cross jurisdictional cooperation was instrumental. Borders offer no protection for these criminal groups, law enforcement cooperation can and will defeat these organizations. Stamford is not a safe haven for traffickers who want to poison the lives of our citizens”
