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Millions of dollars’ worth of drugs has been seized from a Long Island home, and now a Holbrook couple is accused of being major traffickers.
Authorities say $2 million worth of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and other drugs were taken from the home of 28-year-olds Jessica Medina Rivas and her boyfriend, Caleb Moran.
“Selling illicit substances is never a victimless crime,” said Suffolk District Attorney Ray Tierney.
Investigators say the bust is one of the largest in Suffolk County history, and the biggest ever for crystal meth. “A seizure like this you don’t come across that often,” said Assistant District Attorney Cataline.
Prosecutors say the investigation began after five alleged drug sales to undercover officers. That led police to search the couple’s Tarkington Road home, as well as another location.
A search warrant was executed at Gator Motor Sports in Patchogue, Moran’s father’s business. According to the district attorney, police allegedly seized 80 pounds of cannabis there.
“We are awaiting the lab tests in that case, and the investigation is continuing,” Tierney added.
When asked outside the courtroom if he knew about the drugs allegedly stored at his business, Moran’s father declined to comment.
Police also say the couple made drug sales out of an old police vehicle that had been purchased at auction.
“Moran allegedly purchased and used this vehicle to give the impression that he was an undercover law enforcement official,” Tierney said.
Defense attorney Robert Macedonio countered.
“These vehicles are routinely sold at auction when police are finished using them, the intent of buying it just to disguise themselves, that just didn’t happen," he said.
Both Rivas and Moran have been charged as major drug traffickers and pleaded not guilty. If convicted, they face 15 years to life in prison.
