Heroin Glassines Branded 'NFL', 'Government Shutdown' and 'iPhone'
JAN 31 - (New York) – James J. Hunt, Acting Special Agent in
Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s New York Division (DEA),
Bridget G. Brennan, New York City’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor, New York City
Police Commissioner William J. Bratton and Joseph A. D’Amico, Superintendent of
the New York State Police, announced the discovery of multi-million dollar,
high-volume heroin packaging location at 2910 Wallace Ave. Apt. #2E, Bronx, NY,
and the seizure of 13 kilograms (33 pounds) of heroin worth $8 million last
night.
On January 30th, 2014, a team from the DEA’s New York Drug
Enforcement Task Force – comprised of DEA Special Agents, New York City Police
Department Detectives and New York State Police Investigators – conducted
surveillance in the vicinity of 2910 Wallace Ave., in the Williamsbridge
section of the Bronx, as part of an ongoing investigation into heroin
distribution organizations operating in the Northeast region of the United
States. At approximately 4:30 p.m., agents and
investigators observed an individual carrying two bags, one of which contained
a green box. The individual, later identified as CRISTINO THEN, entered 2910
Wallace Ave. and walked up the stairs. Shortly thereafter THEN was observed
exiting the building empty handed.
Agents and officers stopped THEN to investigate his explanation as to
why he was at the building.
Simultaneously, another individual was observed climbing out
of a fifth floor window of the same building onto a fire escape. Agents
apprehended this individual, later identified as AUGUSTIN RIVERA, aka “JOSE
THEN,” as he attempted to flee.
Subsequently, Task Force members used the fire escape to access the same
window, which was open and entered a fifth floor apartment. Inside, they found
a fully operational heroin mill. Agents and officers seized approximately 13
kilograms of heroin (33 pounds) and hundreds of thousands of individual
“glassine” bags stamped with numerous brand names, including “NFL”, “government
shutdown,” “iPhone”, and “Olympics 2012.” Also recovered from the heroin mill
were scales, 18 coffee grinders, rubber bands, baking soda and face masks. In
typical heroin mill operations, coffee grinders are often used to cut pure
heroin with a dilutant, such as baking soda. Individual dosages are then
packaged into small glassine bags for retail distribution.
The Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor is
prosecuting RIVERA and THEN. A criminal complaint charges both defendants with
one count each of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First
Degree, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and
Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree. RIVERA and THEN are
expected to be arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court, 100 Centre St., this
afternoon.
DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt stated,
"Heroin is pummeling the northeast, leaving addiction, overdoses and fear
in its wake. The New York Drug Enforcement Task Force faced this threat with
uniformed police work which resulted in the dismantlement of a heroin mill
located in the Bronx that had resources to distribute over half a million
heroin glassines throughout the streets of New York."
Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan said, “A
seizure of this size should open everyone’s eyes to the magnitude of the heroin
problem confronting us. We’ve heard from public officials throughout the
Northeast of soaring addiction within their own localities. Last night we
seized 33 pounds of heroin in the Bronx, which could be transformed into
millions of user-ready glassine packages, saturating the region. The brand
names used are tied to upcoming events, indicating the savvy and sophistication
of the heroin distribution ring.”
New York City Police Commissioner William J. Bratton said,
“Thanks to the efforts of the investigators in this case an operation that
would have led to the sale and distribution of illegal drugs on the streets of
New York City has been thwarted.”
New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico said,
“The hard work and partnership between the Drug Enforcement Administration, New
York State Police, New York City Police Department and New York City Office of
the Special Narcotics Prosecutor is responsible for preventing a large amount
of a highly addictive and dangerous drug from making into our communities.
These individuals were operating a multi-million dollar heroin mill out of an
apartment with plans to distribute this illegal drug on our streets. I commend
the considerable efforts and dedication of our agency personnel and our law
enforcement partners who were able to pinpoint this drug activity and put a
stop to this drug operation.
DEFENDANTS
CHARGES
Augustin Rivera, aka “Jose Then”
2170 University Ave.
Bronx, NY
11/12/1978
CPCS 1st - 1 ct
CPCS 3rd - 1 ct
Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia 2nd – 1 ct
Cristino Then
2230 Woodhull Ave.
Bronx, NY
07/24/1988
CPCS 1st - 1 ct
CPCS 3rd - 1 ct
Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia 2nd – 1 ct
The charges and allegations are merely accusations and the
defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty
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