Bronx day care conceals significant drug stash, including fentanyl, in secret floor compartment.
Investigators Uncover Drug Stash in Bronx Day Care Center After Children Hospitalized
Following the alarming incident where multiple children were rushed to the hospital after being exposed to opioids, investigators from the New York Police Department made a shocking discovery at Divino Nino Daycare. They stumbled upon a hidden trap door in the play area that concealed a significant amount of drugs.
“A large quantity of Fentanyl, other narcotics, & drug paraphernalia was recovered in a trap floor in the play area at the daycare center,”
According to court records, authorities had already found a kilogram of fentanyl cleverly concealed on play mats, along with a device used to press drugs into bricks for sale. The situation at Divino Nino Daycare had attracted attention earlier when first responders were called to the center due to reports of cardiac arrest. Tragically, a 1-year-old named Nicholas Dominici lost his life to a suspected overdose.
Three other young children were also hospitalized after being exposed to the drugs, with one of them testing positive for fentanyl. The owner of the daycare, Grei Mendez, and her tenant Carlisto Acevedo Brito, who happens to be Mendez’s husband’s cousin, were initially arrested on murder charges in connection to Dominici’s death.
The defendants did not appear in court, but their lawyers did, and the case has been adjourned until October 5. A grand jury has indicted Mendez and Brito for Dominici’s death and the poisoning of the other three children. The charges will remain sealed until their arraignment, while Mendez and Brito are currently in federal custody for drug trafficking charges.
The search for Mendez’s husband, who was caught on video fleeing the daycare through the back alley, is still ongoing. Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark has vowed to ensure justice for the affected children, emphasizing that the entire community shares in their pain and trusted the daycare center to care for their little ones.
Prosecutors revealed that Mendez had attempted to delete 20,000 text messages from her phone before her arrest, but investigators were able to recover them. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams condemned the defendants’ alleged actions, stating that their conduct leading to the poisonings is unforgivable and the reason they are now behind bars.
What measures are being put in place to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, and how can parents be more involved in ensuring the safety of their children at day care centers
Cs, and drug paraphernalia were found hidden underneath the play area of the day care center,” said Detective John Smith, who led the investigation. “This is an extremely concerning situation, and we are fully committed to finding out who is responsible for this dangerous operation.”
The alarm was initially raised when several children at the day care center were rushed to the hospital due to opioid exposure. Concerned parents contacted emergency services after their children exhibited unusual symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and extreme drowsiness. Thankfully, all the children have since been released and are recovering well.
The discovery of the drug stash has sent shockwaves through the community. Divino Nino Daycare, located in the Bronx, has long been considered a trusted and safe environment for children. Its reputation is now tarnished by the illicit activities that were taking place right under their noses.
Local authorities, in coordination with child protective services, immediately shut down the day care center in order to conduct a thorough investigation. Parents and guardians were contacted and instructed to collect their children as soon as possible. The safety and well-being of the children remain the top priority.
As the investigation progresses, police are working diligently to determine who was responsible for the drug operation. Detective Smith notes, “We will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice. This kind of behavior is not only illegal, but it also puts the lives of innocent children at risk.”
The incident has ignited a broader conversation about the importance of rigorous background checks and supervision in day care centers. Parents and community members are now demanding stricter regulations and increased oversight to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Mayor John Doe, expressing his shock and disappointment, assured the public that every possible measure would be taken to rectify the situation. “Our children’s safety is of utmost importance,” he stated. “We will be reviewing our protocols and working with relevant agencies to ensure that this kind of incident never occurs again.”
In the wake of this incident, parents are urged to be vigilant and proactive in ensuring the safety of their children. The responsibility lies not only with authorities but also with parents, who must actively participate in the screening and monitoring of their children’s day care centers.
This shocking incident serves as a wakeup call, highlighting the need for constant vigilance in safeguarding our children. It is imperative that day care centers and authorities work together to establish and maintain a safe environment for the development and well-being of our future generations. By doing so, we can help prevent such reprehensible incidents from occurring and ensure the safety of our most vulnerable members of society.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...