NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A man was arrested following an investigation that resulted in more than 85 pounds of cocaine and fentanyl, eight loaded firearms, and approximately $420,000 being seized in Brooklyn, prosecutors announced Tuesday.
George Capella, 45, was arrested on Dec. 4, after an eight-month wiretap investigation dubbed "Operation Interstate Powder," authorities said.
He was charged with operating as a major trafficker, criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a weapon and criminally using drug paraphernalia.
During the investigation, officials established surveillance at Capella's Leonard Street residence in Williamsburg. At approximately noon on Dec. 4, he was observed retrieving what appeared to be two kilogram-sized packages of narcotics from a black Honda Accord parked outside of his building.
Capella then entered the ground-floor of the building through a door adjacent to the driveway and at about 4 p.m., he was observed leaving the residence then driving off in a Lincoln Aviator bearing a New Jersey license plate.
Authorities pulled over the Lincoln in the vicinity of 80 Meserole St., detained Capella, and recovered seven cellphones.
After obtaining court authorized search warrants, agents searched the Honda Accord and Lincoln Aviator, both registered in Capella's name, as well as the Leonard Street residence which he owns.
During the search of the Honda, agents allegedly recovered approximately 33 kilogram-sized packages of cocaine and over six kilograms of fentanyl, eight loaded firearms found inside a hidden compartment, and one imitation pistol.
They also seized approximately $420,000.
Inside the Lincoln, a scale that appeared to be coated with drug residue and an additional cellphone was recovered.
Additionally, officials recovered additional quantities of drugs, equipment necessary to package narcotics, including a kilogram press machine, scale, and a variety of stamps inside of his residence.
DEA laboratory analysis determined the kilogram packages found inside the Honda included 33 kilograms of cocaine, some labelled "MOËT" and "AMIRI," and over six kilograms of fentanyl, some marked with Louis Vuitton symbols.
"The recovery of over 85 pounds of cocaine and fentanyl, eight loaded guns and $420,000 in a residential neighborhood of Williamsburg is startling, even to seasoned investigators," Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget Brennan said.
"Money, drugs and paraphernalia seized from the defendant’s cars and home have all the hallmarks of a major drug packaging and distribution operation. Prosecutors and investigators put tremendous effort into tracking this drug importation and distribution operation over eight months. Their determination and long hours undoubtedly saved many lives," she added.