Freeport resident Elson Forestier, 34, was arraigned Wednesday, July 12 on multiple charges related to possession and distribution of cocaine, the Nassau County District Attorney announced.
The long-running investigation into Forestier came to a head when multiple agencies issued search warrants on Monday, May 15, at his Miller Avenue home.
Police reportedly found 2.5 kilograms of cocaine and $12,000 in cash upon entry.
Half a kilogram was found in Forestier’s bedroom closet, while two others were hidden in a children’s toy box and covered in birthday wrapping paper, the investigation said.
For more than a year, Forestier’s home received cocaine shipped directly from Puerto Rico, the district attorney’s office claimed.
The cocaine seized was worth more than $180,000.
The operation was a joint effort of the US Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, New York State Police and Nassau County Police Department K9 Unit.
“Cocaine trafficking poses a significant threat to public health and safety on Long Island,” said New York Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations.
“The threat is heightened when contraband is concealed in children’s toys wrapped as birthday presents, as alleged in this case.”
Forestier pleaded not guilty to:
- Being a primary drug trafficker (felony);
- Unlawful possession of a controlled substance (1st, 2nd, and 3rd degrees, all felonies); and
- Multiple misdemeanors.
He will appear in court again on Wednesday, August 23. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison.
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