Alleged High-Level NYC Trafficker Taken Down in Cocaine Ring That Shipped

According to a press release from the Office of Special Narcotics, the packages are valued at more than $225,000.

Fortosa and his cronies were mailing boxes of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Harlem hidden in gift boxes and packaged along with toys, including those adorable yellow Minions and Olaf, the Josh Gad-voiced snowman from Disneys hit animated film Frozen. They were even wrapped, though in addition to the childrens toys, these deliveries also included wireless internet router boxes full of cocaine.

Fortosa, who had three underlings distribute the drugs to nightclubs in Brooklyn and Manhattan, was arrested on July 2 after he accepted one of the packages, officials said.

Daniel Reyes: “A drug delivery service operator based in Bushwick, Brooklyn” who sold “cocaine, heroin, MDMA and prescription drugs, including oxycodone and Xanax”.

According to prosecutors, the suspects sold $41,000 drugs to undercover officers with the NYPD’s Vice Squad 20 times since the investigation launched in September.

They said Fortosa allegedly arranged for the packages to be sent from Puerto Rico with Owens’ help.

Fortosa, Reyes and their colleagues now face numerous charges related to conspiracy, possession and the sale of controlled substances. Bail was set at $250,000.

The other suspects were arrested August. 4, pleaded not guilty to their charges, and have been remanded pending bail arguments. Reyes is due in court Wednesday.

Authorities in New York City announced this week the breakup of what’s being called a high-level drug trafficking operation following a long-term investigation.

“Kilos of cocaine were disguised as children’s birthday gifts, and shipped alongside innocent looking Olaf dolls and other toys, in a failed attempt to hide the sinister contents”, Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan said in a statement.