Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that a Freeport man was arraigned today for allegedly Operating as a Major Trafficker after a search warrant in May 2023 revealed nearly 2.5 kilograms of cocaine and more than $12,000 in cash in his residence.
Elson Forestier, 34, was arraigned today before Judge Terence Murphy on charges of Operating as a Major Drug Trafficker (an A-I felony); Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree (an A-I felony); Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree (an A felony); two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (a B felony); Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree (an A misdemeanor); and Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree (an A misdemeanor). The defendant pleaded not guilty, and bail was set at $1 million cash, $5 million bond, and $10 million partially secured bond. He is due back in court on August 23, 2023. If convicted, the defendant faces up to 25 years to life in prison.
“More than $180,000 worth of cocaine was found during a search of this defendant’s home in Freeport, where it was allegedly contained in the empty packaging of children’s construction block sets and boxes wrapped-up to look like birthday presents,” said DA Donnelly. “Even though the drugs were shrink-wrapped inside the boxes to conceal them from detection, Nassau County Police Department K9 ‘Chief’ was able to sniff out the illicit substance. I thank our partners at the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, New York State Police, and NCPD for their crucial investigative efforts that led to today’s indictment.”
“U.S. Postal Inspectors work diligently to identify and deter Drug Trafficking Organizations who prey upon the vulnerable, while destroying the lives and fabric of many neighborhoods. Postal Inspectors will always remain vigilant in locating and bringing drug traffickers to justice, safeguarding the American public and the U.S. Mail. I would like to thank the New York State Troopers, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Postal Inspectors for their collaborative dedication on this case,” said New York Division Inspector in Charge Daniel B. Brubaker.
“The trafficking of cocaine poses a significant threat to public health and safety on Long Island. This threat is enhanced when, as alleged in this case, the contraband is concealed within children’s toys wrapped as birthday presents,” said Homeland Security Investigations New York Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo. “This investigation highlights the importance of strong collaboration between local, state, and federal partners to dismantle these types of criminal enterprises and keep our communities free of dangerous narcotics.”
State Police, Troop L Troop Commander, Major Stephen J. Udice said, “This arrest is the result of hard work and determination by our law enforcement partners. Every day we see the impact these dangerous drugs have on families, neighborhoods, and communities. We pledge to continue to work tirelessly, to make sure individuals who are at the root of this illegal activity are held accountable and to keep these dangerous narcotics off the streets across Long Island.”
“Today’s arraignment of defendant Elson Forestier is a prime example of numerous law enforcement agencies working in conjunction to bring this case to justice,” said Nassau County Commissioner of Police Patrick Ryder. “This defendant showed no regard for the safety of our communities as he dealt large amounts of cocaine in various Nassau County locations. I would like to congratulate all of the investigators and their agencies for their dedication and diligence on this case.”
DA Donnelly said that, according to the charges, on May 15, 2023, members of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, New York State Police, and the Nassau County Police Department’s K9 Unit, executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence at 371 Miller Avenue in Freeport after a long-term investigation.
During the search, law enforcement officers recovered nearly 2.5 kilograms of cocaine and more than $12,000 in U.S. currency.
Approximately two kilograms of cocaine were wrapped in boxes with birthday wrapping paper and concealed within emptied toy packaging in an alleged attempt to evade law enforcement.
An additional half kilogram was found in the defendant’s bedroom closet.
The defendant allegedly received shipments of kilograms of cocaine directly from Puerto Rico to his residence in Freeport for more than a year.
The approximate street value of the seized kilograms of cocaine recovered during this search warrant was in excess of $180,000.
Forestier was arrested by members of the New York State Police in Freeport on May 15, 2023.
The investigation is ongoing.
NCDA thanks the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, New York State Police, and the Nassau County Police Department for their assistance and partnership in this prosecution.
The case is being prosecuted by Firearms Suppression & Intelligence Unit Chief Lee Genser of the Narcotics, Firearms & Gangs Bureau. Forestier is represented by Steve Gaitman, Esq.
The charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.
