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Juan Valdez was arrested at a family member's home in the Bronx for allegedly leading the drug trafficking ring. Valdez’s home at 377 North Broadway in Yonkers, N.Y. served as one of several stash locations used by the drug ring, according to the prosecutor.
Wire taps revealed that Valdez allegedly employed a circle of individuals who assisted him in running drugs between San Juan, Puerto Rico and New York City, according to the the special prosecutor's statement.
Since 2009, the U.S. Postal Service Inspection Service has seized packages containing 23 kilograms of cocaine worth approximately $1.4 million that is allegedly linked to Valdez.
Packages of cocaine were sent by the U.S. Postal Service from San Juan to individuals in New York City, the special prosecutor said, adding that the narcotics were sometimes concealed in "SpongeBob SquarePants" bedding items designed for children.
Investigators believe Valdez’s group smuggled between 5 and 10 kilograms of cocaine into New York City each month, with each kilogram carrying an estimated street value of $60,000, the prosecutor said.
Charges in the current indictment relate to nearly $300,000 in narcotics seized from the drug ring since August, 2013, including 4 kilograms of cocaine, 1,000 oxycodone pills and approximately $400,000 in criminal proceeds and a firearm, according to the special prosecutor.
Valdez was charged with conspiracy, sale and possession of substances, weapons possession, money laundering and other crimes.
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