Long Island couple busted with fentanyl enough to kill more than 42,000, authorities say
Holbrook pair charged in one of Suffolk County’s largest drug seizures; investigation uncovered firearms, cash, and ‘dragon’s breath’ shotgun shells
A drug-dealing couple from Holbrook, Long Island, was arrested after investigators seized quantities of fentanyl enough to kill more than 42,000 people, alongside a wide array of other drugs, in what Suffolk County officials described as one of the largest seizures in county history. Caleb Moran, 28, and Jessica Medina-Rivas, 28, were charged with 56 counts of the state’s top narcotics offenses during an arraignment Monday. Each suspect remained jailed in lieu of $2 million bail, and faces 15 years to life if convicted. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced the case at a news conference on Sept. 22, 2025.
Police executed a search warrant on Aug. 22 at a Holbrook home tied to the couple and recovered a staggering haul: 14 kilograms of cocaine, 12 kilograms of meth, thousands of pills, 3 ounces of fentanyl, black tar heroin, and about 20 pounds of cannabis. Investigators also found two unregistered guns, bulletproof vests, a pill press, digital scales, packaging equipment and more than $118,000 in cash. Officials described the stash as part of a sprawling operation that included dragon's breath shotgun shells that emit sparks when fired.
The investigation widened to show a network prosecutors described as one of the largest seizures in Suffolk County history. In addition to the Holbrook home, investigators found about 80 pounds of cannabis at a Patchogue motor sports business operated by Moran’s father. The elder Moran was not charged in the case, but authorities said UPS shipments of cannabis bound for the business were intercepted.
The ring began to unravel after Moran allegedly sold more than two ounces of cocaine at a time and various quantities of fentanyl to an undercover detective on five occasions over the summer, prosecutors said. In one recorded deal, Moran handed over fentanyl and warned the officer not to sell it pure, acknowledging that the potent batch had already led to overdoses, including a fatal one.
County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina told reporters the scale of the alleged operation was staggering: “Two million dollars in product — among the largest seizures in Suffolk history.” Tierney said the investigation remains active and that more charges could follow as investigators comb through evidence at the Holbrook home and connected sites.
Moran and Medina-Rivas pleaded not guilty to Operating as a Major Trafficker, the state’s top narcotics charge, along with dozens of counts of possession and sales. Each was ordered held on $2 million bail or an $8 million bond and faces a potential sentence of 15 years to life if convicted. Medina-Rivas is scheduled to appear Oct. 27, with Moran due back Oct. 28, according to court filings.
Authorities noted the case demonstrates how trafficking rings can operate across family-linked businesses and delivery networks. The investigation continues to unfold, and prosecutors said additional members or properties connected to the operation could be identified as evidence is reviewed.
Tierney stressed that the case remains active and that more charges could be announced in the coming weeks as investigators check surveillance footage, shipment records and other data tied to the operation.
During the Sept. 22 press briefing in Hauppauge, prosecutors outlined the timeline and breadth of contraband recovered, underscoring Suffolk County's ongoing push to dismantle large-scale trafficking in suburban neighborhoods. Officials cautioned that the case is far from closed and that more arrests or charges could be forthcoming as the inquiry continues.
Beyond Suffolk, the case reflects a regional effort to combat fentanyl distribution and multi-drug networks, with authorities noting that shipments, packaging equipment, and multi-location distribution points complicate investigations and require collaboration across jurisdictions.
Images from the scene show the scale of the operation and the resources at stake, including firearms, cash, equipment and the kinds of pills found in Holbrook. The investigation remains open as officials review additional material and pursue potential leads tied to the broader criminal enterprise.
