Attorney General and NYPD Commissioner Announce Major Queens Drug Bust
Letitia James and Jessica Tisch have announced the dismantling of a long-running cocaine trafficking operation near an elementary school in Queens, following a 17-month undercover investigation.
Authorities said two men were arrested and charged after investigators seized nearly three kilograms of cocaine, more than $93,000 in cash, and various drug-processing equipment during multiple raids.
The suspects were identified as 47-year-old Jason Alvarez and 43-year-old Christopher Sanchez. According to a 65-count indictment unsealed in Queens Supreme Court, the two men are accused of selling, storing, and trafficking cocaine, including operating near a school zone.
Investigators allege that Sanchez prepared and stored cocaine at a garage in Brooklyn before supplying it to Alvarez, who allegedly sold the drugs near Public Elementary School P255 at PS 908Q on 38th Avenue in Queens.
Attorney General James said dismantling dangerous narcotics operations is critical for community safety, adding that the suspects endangered children and local residents by operating close to a school.
Commissioner Tisch said the defendants showed “complete disregard” for children’s safety, noting that one suspect allegedly brought his own children along during a drug delivery operation.
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Organized Crime Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and New York State Police. Officials said investigators conducted extensive surveillance, analyzed cellphone and GPS data, and used various covert investigative techniques throughout the operation.
Authorities said Sanchez used a co-owned garage on Lincoln Avenue in Brooklyn as a cocaine processing site. During the search, investigators recovered a kilogram press machine, electronic scales, and chemical agents allegedly used to dilute and expand drug quantities.
Officials also revealed that during a raid in October 2025, Sanchez allegedly attempted to flee by driving toward members of the investigative team before abandoning his vehicle. Investigators said he threw approximately one kilogram of cocaine into the trunk of a parked car and attempted to change clothes to avoid detection before being arrested inside a nearby clothing store.
Additional searches at Alvarez’s apartment, Sanchez’s residence in Queens, and the Brooklyn garage led to the recovery of more cocaine and a total of $93,831 in cash believed to be proceeds from drug trafficking.
The indictment includes charges of first-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a controlled substance, conspiracy, and selling drugs near a school. If convicted, Alvarez could face up to 24 years in prison, while Sanchez faces a maximum sentence of 20 years.
Michael Alfonso said drug trafficking near schools poses a direct threat to community safety and emphasized that law enforcement agencies remain committed to targeting organized narcotics networks.
Farhana Islam described the presence of cocaine traffickers near children as deeply alarming, calling allegations that one suspect involved his own children in the drug environment “extremely disturbing and irresponsible.”
Officials said coordinated operations against organized drug trafficking groups across New York will continue as part of broader efforts to protect public safety.
