Detectives Uncover Hidden Stash of Fentanyl at Bronx Daycare
Detectives from the New York Police Department (NYPD) made a shocking discovery at a Bronx daycare where a 1-year-old boy tragically lost his life and others were hospitalized due to suspected opioid exposure. During a search warrant execution at Divino Nino Day Care in the Bronx, law enforcement officials found bags of fentanyl, along with other narcotics and drug paraphernalia, cleverly concealed beneath a trap door in the children’s play area. The stash was hidden beneath plywood and tile flooring, as revealed in photos shared by the NYPD on social media.
The shocking discovery comes just a week after first responders were called to the daycare following reports of cardiac arrest. Three children, two 2-year-old boys, and an 8-month-old girl, were found unresponsive and showing symptoms of opioid exposure. Thanks to the administration of Narcan, two of the children recovered. Tragically, the 1-year-old boy, identified as Nicholas Dominici, did not survive.
Another child, a 2-year-old boy, also experienced opioid exposure after being taken home by his mother. Fortunately, prompt medical intervention saved his life. Testing revealed that all the children had fentanyl in their systems. Further search of the daycare center led to the seizure of one kilogram of fentanyl, which had been stored under a mat where the children had been sleeping earlier in the day.
A man prepares to heat fentanyl in San Francisco, Calif., on Feb. 22, 2023. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)
Police Searching for Third Suspect
In addition to the shocking discovery, law enforcement officers found drug production equipment, including three-kilo presses typically used for packaging large quantities of drugs. The daycare’s owner, Grei Mendez, and her husband’s cousin, Carlisto Acevedo Brito, have been arrested and charged with murder, manslaughter, assault, depraved indifference, and multiple drug charges. They are also facing federal charges of narcotics possession with intent to distribute resulting in death and conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death. Authorities are currently seeking Mendez’s husband, who was captured on surveillance footage leaving the daycare with multiple shopping bags after his wife called 911 to report the children’s symptoms.
Mendez’s attorney claims she had no knowledge of the drug operation and was unaware of the deadly narcotics being stored in her daycare center. The investigation is ongoing, and the dangers of fentanyl, a highly potent and addictive synthetic opioid, continue to be a grave concern.
Provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic, with over 107,000 drug overdose deaths in 2022. Synthetic opioids, particularly illicitly manufactured fentanyl, were involved in more than 68 percent of these fatalities.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Nyl in their systems, likely from exposure to the hidden stash at the daycare.
The discovery of the hidden stash has sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns about the safety of childcare facilities. Parents are now worried about the well-being of their children and questioning the measures in place to ensure their safety.
According to authorities, the daycare operator, identified as Maria Ortiz, has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including possession of narcotics with intent to distribute and child endangerment. It is alleged that Ortiz was running a fentanyl operation out of the daycare, using the innocent facade of childcare to cover up her illegal activities.
This shocking case has also prompted federal investigations into the daycare’s practices and potential connections to larger drug trafficking organizations. The authorities suspect that the fentanyl seized at the daycare was part of a larger distribution network, pointing to the possibility of a much broader criminal enterprise.
The incident highlights the devastating impact of the opioid crisis in our society. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin, has become a major contributor to the rising number of overdose deaths across the country. Its potency and availability make it an attractive option for drug traffickers, putting countless lives at risk.
The discovery of fentanyl at a daycare facility, where innocent children should feel safe and protected, is particularly distressing. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive and stringent measures to ensure the safety of children in daycare centers. Background checks, regular inspections, and continuous monitoring of these facilities must be a priority to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Furthermore, this case underscores the importance of public awareness and education surrounding the dangers of opioids. Parents and caregivers need to be informed about the signs and symptoms of opioid exposure and how to respond in case of an emergency. Communities must come together to support each other and provide resources to combat the opioid crisis.
In conclusion, the discovery of a hidden stash of fentanyl at a Bronx daycare is a shocking and tragic incident that highlights the urgent need for greater vigilance and safety measures in childcare facilities. The arrest of the daycare operator and ongoing investigations emphasize the seriousness of the case and the potential links to larger criminal organizations. It is crucial that authorities address the underlying issues that allow such operations to thrive and take proactive steps to protect our children. Additionally, public awareness and education remain key in combating the ongoing opioid crisis and ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities.
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