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Authorities seized illegal drugs, firearms, and stolen property during a warrant search at a home in the Town of Esopus. The search, led by the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team (URGENT), took place after a lengthy investigation that began in 2023.
According to Mid Hudson News, police discovered oxycodone tablets, a .22 caliber rifle, a 9 mm handgun, drug packaging materials, drug paraphernalia, and stolen property during the search.
The investigation resulted in the arrest of Christian Santiago, 52, who was indicted by a grand jury on March 12, 2026. Santiago faces multiple charges, including possession and sale of drugs, criminal possession of a weapon, possession of stolen property, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia.
The case originated when URGENT began investigating the alleged sale of cocaine. The operation included support from Homeland Security Investigations and New York State Police.
Santiago is expected to face trial on the charges. The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement continues efforts to address illegal drug activity in the Hudson Valley region.