On August 28, 2026, the New York Police Department announced the seizure of 580 pounds of cocaine from a storage facility in Long Island City, Queens. The haul, valued at roughly $10 million, is described as the department's largest cocaine bust in more than ten years.
The operation was directed by NYPD officials, with Commissioner Jessica Tisch overseeing the effort and prosecutors preparing criminal charges. The drugs were discovered inside a rented storage unit and are believed to have been slated for distribution throughout the city.
Law enforcement officials indicated that the cocaine appeared to have been mixed with fentanyl before it entered the supply chain. The presence of the potent opioid raises additional public‑health concerns, given the heightened risk of overdose associated with fentanyl‑laced stimulants.
The seizure adds a significant milestone to ongoing citywide initiatives targeting drug trafficking networks. The quantity seized surpasses previous large‑scale busts recorded in the past decade, underscoring the scale of the operation. Prosecutors intend to move forward with the case, seeking to dismantle the distribution network linked to the storage facility.
Authorities continue to investigate the origins of the shipment and to identify any additional participants in the trafficking ring. The department emphasizes that the removal of such a large supply of cocaine and fentanyl from the streets is expected to disrupt illegal market activity and enhance community safety in the affected neighborhoods.