Executive Summary
- Schenectady County investigators executed a major raid at Summit Towers on February 24.
- Authorities seized 2.6 kilograms of fentanyl, two illegal guns, and $520,000 in cash.
- Marisol Colon-Morales, 58, and Eric Rivera, 49, were arrested on drug and weapon charges.
- Police described the operation as one of the most significant busts in county history, following a year-long probe.
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — Two individuals are in custody following what Schenectady County investigators have classified as one of the most significant illegal drug seizures in the county’s history, concluding a year-long investigation with the recovery of narcotics, firearms, and over half a million dollars in cash.
According to law enforcement officials, the operation culminated on February 24 when police executed search warrants at the Summit Towers located at 720 Albany Street. The sweep included searches of two apartments within the complex, as well as two storage units and a vehicle linked to the investigation.
Schenectady Police stated that the search yielded approximately 2.6 kilograms of fentanyl, two illegal firearms, and $520,000 in U.S. currency. Investigators emphasized the lethality of the seized narcotics, noting that the removal of such a significant quantity of fentanyl likely prevented thousands of potential deaths in the community.
Authorities identified the suspects as 58-year-old Marisol Colon-Morales and 49-year-old Eric Rivera. According to the police report, Colon-Morales faces multiple major drug charges, while Rivera has been charged with significant offenses related to both illegal firearms possession and narcotics. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Investigative Impact
The magnitude of this seizure represents a substantial disruption to local narcotics distribution networks in the Capital Region. By confiscating 2.6 kilograms of fentanyl alongside significant financial assets, law enforcement has likely severed a key supply node. This operation reflects a broader strategic focus on dismantling the logistical and financial foundations of drug trafficking organizations rather than solely targeting street-level distribution, highlighting the effectiveness of long-term, multi-agency surveillance operations.
