Over 26 pounds of cocaine, cash found hidden in furniture in NYC apartment: officials
NORWOOD, The Bronx (PIX11) — Over 26 pounds of cocaine and more than $3 million in cash were found inside furniture with secret compartments in an apartment in the Bronx on Wednesday, according to officials.
Juan Rondon, 60, was arrested after a two-month investigation. Officials said investigators saw Rondon enter 3405 Gates Place with a bag around 4:40 p.m. Investigators saw Rondon leaving the building a short time later with the same bag.
Rondon then returned to the apartment without the bag and was stopped by authorities in the building’s lobby, officials said. Rondon allegedly had cocaine and keys to an apartment in the building on him, according to authorities.
During a search of the apartment, with help from a New York State Police K9 unit, investigators found several pieces of furniture with secret compartments, officials said.
Dressers, nightstands, and a coffee table were equipped with hidden compartments filled with bags of cash, officials said. In the coffee table, authorities found around 12 kilograms (or 26.45 pounds) of cocaine, cash and 10 luxury watches, according to New York City’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor’s Office.
Almost 30 pounds of cocaine and over $3 million in cash were found inside furniture with secret compartments in an apartment in the Bronx on March 20, 2024, according to officials. (Credit: NYC Special Narcotics Prosecutor) Almost 30 pounds of cocaine and over $3 million in cash were found inside furniture with secret compartments in an apartment in the Bronx on March 20, 2024, according to officials. (Credit: NYC Special Narcotics Prosecutor) Almost 30 pounds of cocaine and over $3 million in cash were found inside furniture with secret compartments in an apartment in the Bronx on March 20, 2024, according to officials. (Credit: NYC Special Narcotics Prosecutor) Almost 30 pounds of cocaine and over $3 million in cash were found inside furniture with secret compartments in an apartment in the Bronx on March 20, 2024, according to officials. (Credit: NYC Special Narcotics Prosecutor)
“These charges reflect New York City’s latest multiagency effort to hold accountable those allegedly responsible for flooding our neighborhoods with illicit drugs,” said NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban. “NYPD investigators greatly value our partnership with the city’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor, the New York State Police, and the DEA, and I commend every member of the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force for their ongoing commitment to our shared mission of keeping New Yorkers in every community safe.”
Rondon was deported in 2006, according to officials. It was unclear how or when he returned to the United States.
Officials said Rondon was charged with operating as a major trafficker and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the first and third degree.
Jonathan Rizk is a digital journalist who has covered local news in the New York City and Washington D.C. areas. He has been with PIX11 since August 2022. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
