NEWBURGH — The Orange County Drug Task Force has seized a fentanyl lab in the city following a months-long investigation, Sheriff Paul Arteta announced.
The operation culminated on March 5 when the Orange County Special Operations Group executed a search warrant on Liberty Street in the city’s south end.
Officers recovered over four ounces of fentanyl, cutting compounds, packaging material, a mechanical mixing device, and what is believed to be a sedative additive.
Kelvin Lagares, 34, who is currently under the supervision of Federal Probation for narcotics charges, was arrested for allegedly distributing narcotic products in the Newburgh area.
Lagares was charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a class A-1 Felony, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class B Felony.
He was arraigned and remanded to the Orange County Jail without bail, with additional charges anticipated.
The investigation received assistance from the Newburgh City Police Department, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, and the New York State Police Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team (CC-SERT).
“I am extremely proud of the work done by our Orange County Drug Task Force,” Arteta said.
“This team successfully apprehends criminals who show complete disregard for the lives of innocent families and children in our communities.”
District Attorney Hoovler added, “The deadly spread of fentanyl can only be disrupted by dedicated, long-term narcotics investigations.”
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office urges citizens to report illegal drug activity via email at [email protected], by phone at 845-291-7929, or through the Orange County DA CrimeStoppers online tip submission.
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