Law enforcement officials in Newburgh, New York, have charged 33 individuals with participating in a major guns and drugs trafficking network.
The operation was disguised behind the facade of a truck, selling Jamaican food which was parked outside the city courthouse for years.
Sweeping raids capture public attention
The investigation reached a critical point last week when hundreds of agents conducted coordinated raids across multiple locations in Newburgh.
This large-scale operation drew significant public interest but remained shrouded in secrecy as Orange County authorities initially withheld details.
Arrests and seizures highlight operation’s success
During a press conference held a week later, officials disclosed the arrest of thirty individuals, with three suspects still evading capture.
The successful raid resulted in the confiscation of substantial illicit materials: 11 kilograms of cocaine, 90 grams of fentanyl, and seven firearms.
Authorities also seized around $45,000 in cash and 11 vehicles, including the food truck used as the operation’s base.
A six-month investigation leads to major bust
Named “Operation Hot Lunch,” the investigation spanned six months and was a joint effort by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the district attorney’s office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The operation included wiretaps, the deployment of undercover officers, and the execution of numerous search warrants.
Prior to the final raid, police had already seized an additional 24 firearms and another kilogram of cocaine.
