NYPD officers discovered a hidden trap door during a search of a Bronx daycare center following a 1-year-old's fentanyl overdose death.
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The secret door was found in the middle of a playroom and concealed fentanyl, other narcotics, and drug paraphernalia.
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The investigation is focused on the Divino Niño Daycare Center, suspected of being part of a fentanyl distribution operation.
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Earlier, police found a kilogram of fentanyl on children's playmats and a kilo press used for packaging narcotics.
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The daycare operator, Grei Mendez, and her cousin-in-law, Carlisto Acevedo Brito, are accused by federal prosecutors of running the fentanyl distribution operation.
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Federal prosecutors allege that the daycare center was used to distribute fentanyl, endangering the children in its care.
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When children were exposed to fentanyl on September 15, Mendez reportedly tried to cover up the operation before calling 911.
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Surveillance footage captured Mendez's husband removing bags from the scene before police arrived.
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Prosecutors claim Mendez deleted thousands of messages from an encrypted app, including texts about finding a lawyer and police inquiries.
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Three children showed signs of fentanyl exposure; two were saved with Narcan, but 1-year-old Nicholas Dominici died, leading to criminal charges against Mendez and Brito.
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