7 Arrested In Early Morning Narcotics Sting In Multi-Agency Operation: Police

VILLAGE OF HAVERSTRAW, NY — A coordinated early morning drug bust led to the arrest of seven suspects, according to police.

The Haverstraw Police Department says that during the early morning hours Wednesday, two search warrants were executed at homes, leading to officers finding "a significant quantity of narcotics," in addition to packaging materials often used in the sale and distribution of controlled substances.

Seven Rockland County residents were taken into custody.

The investigation was led by the Haverstraw Police Department Special Operations Unit, with assistance from the Detective Bureau and Patrol Division, the New York State Police, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force — Westchester, the Rockland County Sheriff's Office BCI, the Rockland County REACT Team, and the Rockland County Intelligence Center.

"These arrests are the result of a coordinated, focused investigation targeting the distribution of dangerous narcotics within our community," Chief John Gould Jr. said. "The Haverstraw Police Department will continue to take proactive measures to identify and dismantle drug trafficking operations that threaten the safety and quality of life of our residents. I commend the outstanding work of our Special Operations Unit and thank our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners for their continued support. Together, we will continue to hold those who engage in the sale of illegal drugs accountable."

Police say 40-year-old Henry Villegas, and 42-year-old Claudio Santana, both of Haverstraw, were charged with second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia, and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Another Haverstraw resident, 26-year-old Dahon D. Alston, along with 35-year-old Monica E. Avila, of Nanuet, were charged with two first-degree counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, and two first-degree counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance.

Three Garnerville residents, 35-year-old Richard O. Estrella, 33-year-old Vanessa Quezada, and 31-year-old Christian E. Minaya, were all charged with two first-degree counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, and two first-degree counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance.