Photo: Rawf8 / iStock / Getty Images
Orange County officials announced the largest gun and drug bust in the county's history, resulting in the arrest of 20 individuals and the seizure of over 100 illegal firearms. Dubbed "Operation Powder Burn," the eight-month investigation extended into Pennsylvania and Georgia, uncovering a network that trafficked handguns, automatic weapons, and substantial quantities of fentanyl and cocaine.
According to Spectrum News, the operation's base was an out-of-use restaurant in Newburgh, New York. Authorities seized 67 illegal guns, including a semi-automatic pistol modified to be fully automatic and several 3D-printed firearms. Undercover officers conducted controlled buys, acquiring 55 guns, while 12 more were seized during warrant executions on July 30. Additionally, over four ounces of fentanyl, a half-kilogram of cocaine, and more than $65,000 in cash were confiscated.
Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler emphasized the significance of the bust, stating, "You are not welcome here. We will disrupt and dismantle your organization." The operation involved collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and local police departments.
Yahoo News reported that the alleged ringleader, Christopher Brown, 40, of Newburgh, faces multiple charges, including first-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and first-degree criminal sale of a firearm. If convicted, some defendants could face up to 30 years in prison. The investigation highlights the dangers posed by illegal firearms and drugs, with the seized fentanyl alone capable of killing 190,000 people.
News 12 Westchester noted that the operation underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation in combating gun and drug trafficking. As the case proceeds, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to dismantle such networks and ensure community safety.