54°
The investigation began on Sunday, April 6, when emergency crews responded to a fire on the 7th floor of the Marriott Residence Inn at 35 LeCount Pl. in New Rochelle around 9:19 p.m. Although the hotel’s fire suppression system controlled the blaze, it caused extensive flooding throughout the floor, as Daily Voice reported.
Inside the room where the fire started, officers discovered cocaine and materials consistent with the production of crack cocaine, police said.
Detectives from the New Rochelle Police Department quickly identified a suspect, Pedro Marte, 47, of New York City, who had been hospitalized in Queens for burns to his right arm, torso, and foot. He was placed under arrest and has since been remanded to Westchester County Jail, where he continues to receive medical treatment.
Following his arrest, investigators obtained new leads pointing to a storage facility rented by Marte in New Rochelle. On Tuesday, April 8, detectives executed a search warrant at the facility, leading to the seizure of significant drug-manufacturing equipment and narcotics, according to police:
- Around 3 kilograms of cocaine;
- One half ounce of fentanyl;
- A five-foot kilo press;
- Numerous kilo stamps;
- Large quantities of cutting agents;
- Drug packaging materials, acetone, multiple scales, and other paraphernalia.
Police say the evidence points to a sophisticated drug production and distribution network operated by Marte.
He now faces additional and upgraded charges, including first-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.
The New Rochelle Police Department emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and is urging anyone with information to call the department at (914) 654-2300 or provide tips anonymously at (914) 632-COPS.
This continues to be a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
Click here to follow Daily Voice New Rochelle and receive free news updates.
