Remon Gibson, of Bellport, indicted on charge of operating as a major drug trafficker, Suffolk DA says

Authorities executing a search warrant in Bellport last month seized enough fentanyl "to kill every man, woman, and child on Long Island," Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said on Friday.

Remon Gibson, 43, of Bellport, was indicted this week and charged with operating as a major trafficker and related charges, Tierney said in a news release.

Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro ordered Gibson held on $200,000 cash, $800,000 bond or $2 million partially secured bond during Gibson’s arraignment Wednesday in Riverhead.

Investigators assigned to the district attorney’s Fentanyl Task Force executed a search warrant at a home on Sunburst Lane in Bellport on Sept. 25, Tierney said. Authorities found 33 pounds of illegal narcotics, including about 7 kilograms (more than 15 pounds) of fentanyl and 8 kilograms (more than 17 pounds) of cocaine in the home.

Fentanyl is a cheap synthetic opioid responsible for most of the fatal drug overdoses on Long Island and nationwide in recent years, according to officials. Tierney said the amount discovered at Gibson’s home was enough to kill 3.5 million people.

"The amount of deadly narcotics seized in this operation is staggering," Tierney said in the release. "There was enough Fentanyl to kill every man, woman, and child on Long Island. This case underscores our unwavering commitment to dismantling drug operations that threaten our communities."

Gibson’s attorney, George Duncan of Islip Terrace, said his client "maintains his innocence."

"He is looking forward to reviewing discovery, getting discovery, so he can prove his innocence," Duncan said.

Tierney said investigators found a large quantity of fentanyl on a nightstand in Gibson’s bedroom, which is adjacent to a room occupied by his two children. Cocaine was also found in a trap behind a backyard shed.

Investigators also found half a kilogram (more than a pound) of xylazine, a veterinary sedative, as well as $80,000 in cash, drug paraphernalia and kilo presses, including one with plates used for bricks of fentanyl and cocaine stamped "COVID 19." The task force includes members of the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office and the Suffolk County Police Department. The Drug Enforcement Administration's New York Drug Enforcement Task Force also participated in the investigation.

Gibson's arrest and indictment "shows the commitment the DEA and our law enforcement partners have in targeting those individuals who are poisoning our communities," said Frank Tarentino, special agent in charge of the DEA's New York Division. 

Gibson is scheduled to return to court Nov. 8. He faces 15 years to life in prison if convicted on the top count.

In addition to the operating as a major trafficker count, Gibson is also charged with two counts of first-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, three counts of criminally using drug paraphernalia and two counts of endangering welfare of a child.

"Every grain of fentanyl law enforcement takes off the street is potentially another life saved," said Jeffrey Reynolds, CEO of the Family & Children's Association, which provides treatment and support programs. "It is, however, really clear that there's still a robust market for fentanyl and reducing the demand side of the equation is equally important. We do that by doubling down on prevention, access to treatment and support for people in recovery."