Sheriff’s office dismantles fentanyl lab

The Orange County Drug Task Force (OCDTF) recently seized a fentanyl lab in the City of Newburgh, per an announcement from Sheriff Paul Arteta’s office. According to Arteta, the Drug Task Force conducted a months-long investigation into the sale of fentanyl in the city and its surrounding area. Then on March 5, the Orange County Special Operations Group executed a search warrant on Liberty Street in the City’s south end and allegedly recovered at least four ounces of fentanyl, cutting compounds, packaging material, a mechanical mixing device, and a suspected “sedative additive.”

Arteta’s office alleged that Kelvin Lagares, 34, who is currently under the supervision of federal probation for narcotics charges, was distributing narcotic products in the Newburgh area.

Lagares was charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance in the first degree, a class A-1 felony and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a class B felony. He was arraigned and remanded to the Orange County Jail without bail. Arteta suggested additional charges may be applied.

The OCDTF was assisted by the Newburgh City Police Department, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, and the New York State Police Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team (CC-SERT).

Sheriff Arteta thanked the NYSP and CC-SERT, adding, “I am extremely proud of the work done by our Orange County Drug Task Force. This team successfully apprehends criminals who show complete disregard for the lives of innocent families and children in our communities. The production, mixing, or distribution of illegal drugs — especially fentanyl and other substances that pose severe risks — will never be tolerated in Orange County. I will continue supporting and providing the resources the Orange County Drug Task Force needs to hold these criminals accountable.”

District Attorney Hoovler said “The deadly spread of fentanyl can only be disrupted by dedicated, long-term narcotics investigations. I commend the efforts of the Orange County Drug Task Force whose dangerous work helps to uncover drug dealers in our communities. The fight against the poisonous spread of drugs remains one of the highest priorities of my office.”