Federal agents hauled what officials say was nearly 10 pounds of suspected fentanyl out of a Fordham apartment on Monday, forcing the evacuation of two daycare centers in the building and sending children and staff to temporary shelter while hazmat teams swept the scene. One man was taken into custody as law enforcement treated the apartment as a hazardous-materials location.
According to a post by DEANewYork, agents and officers executed a court-authorized search at 2075 Morris Avenue, Apt. 3J, and recovered approximately 4.5 kilograms, nearly 10 pounds, of suspected fentanyl. Investigators said the suspect, identified as Antonio Cabrera, was seen trying to toss powdered narcotics from a window as officers closed in. Inside, they reported finding packaged glassine envelopes and drug-processing equipment, with laboratory analysis of the seized narcotics still pending. Cabrera was charged with first-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, second-degree reckless endangerment, and two counts of criminally using drug paraphernalia, and is being held without bail.
Multi-agency task force led the operation
Investigators say the search fits a pattern of apartment-based packaging mills that federal and city authorities have been targeting in recent months, where DEA task-force teams coordinate with local prosecutors and police to cut into fentanyl distribution networks. Prior press releases have described similar takedowns and large fentanyl seizures across New York City, and both the DEA and the Special Narcotics Prosecutor's Office have publicly laid out this strategy.
Daycare evacuation and hazmat response
Officials said two daycare centers operating inside the Morris Avenue building were cleared out and 14 children were moved to safety while NYPD emergency-service and hazardous-materials teams secured the apartment. An NYPD K9 unit also assisted, according to DEANewYork, which noted that responders treated the recovered powder as potentially lethal. City child-care regulators and the building’s management did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Evidence recovered
Inside the apartment, officers reported finding glassine envelopes and processing tools set up for packaging, with some packets stamped with brand-style labels including "Black Mamba," "Pandemic," "Covid-19," "Blue Magic" and "Shot." Law enforcement officials say that kind of labeling is commonly used to brand bulk fentanyl for street-level sales. Photographs and body-worn camera footage from the search have not yet been released while prosecutors assemble evidence for court.
Charges and next steps
Cabrera faces state-level felony counts that include first-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and second-degree reckless endangerment, along with two paraphernalia charges. Prosecutors are waiting for DEA laboratory confirmation of the drugs’ weight and composition as they consider additional charges or potential indictments. The case will proceed through local criminal-court channels, and defense counsel has not publicly commented.
Context for Bronx residents
Law-enforcement officials and public-health advocates say apartment-based pill and powder operations can put entire buildings at risk, especially when child-care centers or family housing are just a few doors away. Recent large seizures highlight how quickly bulk fentanyl can be converted into thousands of potentially lethal doses. For background and community resources, see past DEA and Special Narcotics Prosecutor's Office announcements, and contact local public-health providers if exposure is suspected.
