A routine-looking storage facility in Queens was allegedly holding something far more valuable than furniture and moving boxes, according to new reports from the New York Post and NBC New York.
In fact, authorities say they uncovered nearly 600 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $10 million at a self-storage location in Long Island City, resulting in one of New York City’s most significant drug seizures in decades.
The investigation led police to Nelson Salcedo, 35, of Englewood, New Jersey, who was arrested Aug. 26 as authorities say he was preparing to transport another load from the facility. Investigators found 19 cardboard boxes in and around his van containing 230 brick-like packages.
Together, the suspected cocaine weighed approximately 586 pounds.
Initial testing identified the substance as cocaine, although additional laboratory analysis was still pending. Investigators believe the drugs were part of a much broader distribution network stretching between New Jersey and New York, with the DEA indicating that the supply chain ultimately has cartel connections.
The NY post reported that the case developed from a separate narcotics investigation in New Jersey. Authorities had previously recovered 33 pounds of cocaine, about $170,000 in cash and a firearm in Fort Lee. That investigation eventually put Salcedo on their radar and prompted detectives to begin following his movements.
Prosecutors allege that Salcedo transported boxes from the Long Island City facility on at least two earlier occasions, Aug. 12 and Aug. 19, bringing them to an area near the northern end of Central Park. Investigators moved in when he allegedly returned for another shipment on Aug. 26.
Officials say the quantity recovered suggests the cocaine was destined for further packaging and distribution rather than direct sale in its seized form. The haul represents the NYPD’s biggest cocaine seizure in at least a decade and the largest handled by the Special Narcotics Prosecutor’s office in more than 20 years.
Three people, including Salcedo, have been arrested in connection with the broader investigation. Another person suspected of receiving previous deliveries had not yet been taken into custody.
Salcedo was arraigned on charges of first- and second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.