NEWBURGH, N.Y. (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – Thirty-three people were charged in connection with a crime ring that sold kilos of cocaine and dozens of guns from a food truck in the Hudson Valley, prosecutors said Wednesday.
The $3 million a year cocaine ring was run out of the Real Spice food truck parked in the city of Newburgh, according to the Orange County D.A.'s Office.
Photos released by the D.A. show the illegal goods stuffed in takeout containers, all seized as part of a six-month investigation dubbed "Operation Hot Lunch."
Police allege dozens were involved in the drug and gun ring.Orange County DA
The food truck is seen among the other seized vehicles in Goshen on May 29, 2024.Patrick Oehler/Poughkeepsie Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK
Kirkland Salmon, 42, is accused of being "at the center of four different conspiracies to traffic narcotics and firearms through Orange County," according to prosecutors, who alleges two suppliers provided Salmon with cocaine to be sold from the Caribbean food truck.
In total, 12 kilos of cocaine, 90 grams of fentanyl and 31 firearms were seized by law enforcement, along with high-capacity magazines, "numerous" rounds of ammo and $45,000, authorities said.
Guns seized as part of the operation are displayed by law enforcement.Orange County DA
The food truck and 10 other vehicles were also seized.
Wiretaps, undercover officers and search warrants were used as part of the bust, which involved 39 law enforcement agencies, including the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, officials said.
The 33 people charged face various counts related to conspiracy and the possession and sale of narcotics and guns.
Of those, 26 were arrested, while two are awaiting extradition and one is in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Four others remain at large and are being sought, officials said.
Drugs seized by law enforcement are displayed Wednesday.Orange County DA
Orange County District Attorney David Hoover speaks during press conference announcing the success of Operation Hot Lunch at the Orange County Sheriff's Office in Goshen on May 29, 2024.Patrick Oehler/Poughkeepsie Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK
