Three alleged drug traffickers face charges in connection with using UPS package delivery services to smuggle large loads of cocaine into New York City. Two separate investigations resulted in the seizure of a combined total of 30 kilograms of cocaine (over 66 pounds) in Brooklyn and Manhattan as charged in an indictment and criminal complaint filed by the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor (SNP). The cocaine carried an estimated street value of $900,000.
Joshua VARGAS was arraigned in Manhattan Supreme Court yesterday on a newly unsealed indictment, which contains charges related to the seizure of approximately 11 kilograms of cocaine in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn on July 15, 2026. The investigation, conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s New York Task Force Division (DEA-NYTFD) Group T-23, with assistance from SNP’s Investigators Unit, uncovered another eight kilograms of cocaine shipped in an additional package with delivery intended for the same Brooklyn address.
A second investigation, conducted by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Task Force, with the assistance of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s New York Enforcement Division (DEA-NYED) Group D-32, resulted in the arrests of Tyrone WATTS and Ines ZOUICHE in Kips Bay, Manhattan on July 27, 2026. Approximately 11 kilograms of cocaine were recovered from a UPS package. More than $4,000 cash and three allegedly forged driver’s licenses were also seized. Two children were present at the time of the arrests.
Bridget G. Brennan, New York City’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, Special Agent in Charge Christopher Roberts, DEA New York Task Force Division, Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam, DEA New York Enforcement Division, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Pete Gizas announced the indictment and arrests.
“Drug traffickers will exploit any means possible to move their poison, including the use of legitimate package delivery services that millions of Americans rely on every day,” said DEA New York Task Force Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Roberts. “These individuals used ordinary packages and our mail delivery system to conceal and transport large quantities of cocaine across the country and directly into New York City neighborhoods. The seizure of approximately 19 kilograms of cocaine underscores the scale of this drug trafficking operation. The DEA New York Task Force Division and our Task Force partners continue every day to target these networks before their drugs reach our city streets.”
“The seizure of 11 kilograms of cocaine in a UPS package destined for New York City, demonstrates the various methods drugs traffickers use when attempting to transport dangerous drugs throughout the country,” said DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “Drug traffickers continue to exploit every method at their disposal to conceal and transport illicit narcotics, but what is even more troubling is exposing their own children to this type of dangerous criminal activity. The DEA will not tolerate individuals who put profits ahead of public safety, especially when children are involved. I commend our Special Agents and Task Force Officers with the New York Enforcement Division, HSI, and our prosecutorial partners whose collaboration led to these arrests and prevented this cocaine from reaching our streets. The DEA and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in identifying, targeting, and dismantling those who abuse our nation’s mail system to distribute deadly narcotics.”
Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan said, “Our city’s supply of cocaine is surging. Frequently mixed with lethal opioids and other synthetic drugs, cocaine has been detected in over half of all overdose deaths in New York City. Throughout the city, our office has worked with our federal, state, and local partners to intercept significant amounts of cocaine. We have recovered multiple kilograms concealed in ordinary looking packages, which were transported by common parcel delivery services. We continue work closely with District Attorneys’ Offices to prosecute those who enrich themselves by endangering the safety of our communities.”
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said, “Drug traffickers continually adapt the ways they move dangerous narcotics into our communities, and law enforcement must be equally vigilant in identifying and disrupting those methods. Narcotics trafficking fuels addiction, threatens public safety and can drive violence in our neighborhoods. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs and hold those responsible accountable. I commend the Special Narcotics Prosecutor and our partners for their strong work on these cases.”
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Pete Gizas said, “These defendants are accused of turning an ordinary storefront delivery into the endpoint of an interstate cocaine shipment, allegedly using false identities and surveillance tactics to shield the scheme from law enforcement. By intercepting this shipment, investigators prevented 11 kilograms of cocaine from reaching New York streets and exposed conduct that placed the public, including children, dangerously close to a narcotics trafficking enterprise. HSI New York’s success is strengthened by partners who help us share intelligence, act with precision, and close the gaps criminals try to exploit across jurisdictions, agencies, and legitimate commerce.”
