NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – A Queens man was arrested after more than $10 million worth of drugs and nearly a dozen guns were found in an abandoned home, prosecutors said on Wednesday.
Victor Rodriguez, 43, was indicted on several drug and firearms charges, following an investigation that led to the discovery of narcotics and weapons stash in an abandoned Bellerose residence at 249-27 88th Road.
The investigation started after a contractor who visited the abandoned property on May 30 at around 2:40 p.m. saw numerous guns, parts of guns, extensive amounts of drugs, including white powdery substance in coolers, took a picture and sent it to the police, prosecutors said.
He immediately reported what he discovered to the police.
Rodriguez was allegedly caught on surveillance cameras running to and from the abandoned house carrying two coolers after the contractor had left, prosecutors said.
The images the contractor captured revealed that the coolers seemingly contained an estimated 15 kilograms of drugs.
Police searched the house after the report and found eight kilograms of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, alongside 1.5 million glassine envelopes filled with heroin.
Prosecutors estimate the street value of the drugs to be around $10 million to $11 million. Additionally, several handguns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition were found.
“The volume of lethal narcotics and deadly weapons found is staggering. Our communities are unquestionably safer today, and we will continue our relentless pursuit to eradicate drugs and firearms from our streets, holding those responsible accountable.” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said.
Rodriguez is now facing a 112-count indictment with charges ranging from major trafficking, conspiracy, criminal possession of a controlled substance, to multiple firearms offenses.
If convicted, he could face up to 25 years to life in prison.
Rodriguez will return to court on Nov. 6.