Law enforcement officials say they uncovered 33 pounds of illegal narcotics,...

Law enforcement officials say they uncovered 33 pounds of illegal narcotics, including approximately 7 kilograms of fentanyl and 8 kilograms of cocaine, at a suspect's home in Bellport. Credit: Suffolk County District Attorney

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 for operating as a major trafficker and other 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 Tuesday 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 seven kilograms (more than 15 pounds) of fentanyl and eight 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 a statement. "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, did not immediately return a request for comment.

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.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney at a news conference at...

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney at a news conference at Suffolk County Court in Riverhead in April. Credit: James Carbone

Investigators also found a 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."

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

In addition to 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 Jeff Reynolds, chief executive officer 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. The good news is that law enforcement and treatment providers are working together to save lives and bring an end to the crisis."
 

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