Shocking Discovery in Bronx Day Care: Fentanyl Trafficking

Fentanyl vial labeled as opioid analgesic.

A Bronx daycare turned deadly when fentanyl trafficking led to a toddler’s tragic death, revealing a shocking drug operation.

At a Glance

Felix Herrera Garcia sentenced to 45 years for trafficking fentanyl from a Bronx daycare.
Owner Grei Mendez pleaded guilty to her role in fentanyl operations at the facility.
Children were poisoned by fentanyl, revealing the use of daycare as a drug front.
Authorities found a kilogram of fentanyl hidden on site.

Days of Innocence Shattered

On September 15, 2023, a Bronx daycare center was engulfed in a crisis when children fell victim to fentanyl exposure. The facility, Divino Niño Daycare, turned out to be a front for illicit narcotic activity. Felix Herrera Garcia, recently sentenced to 45 years in prison, spearheaded this heartless operation. Children played over dangers hidden beneath, never realizing the peril that lurked in their safe haven.

The operation unraveled only after one child, a 22-month-old boy, died, and three others were hospitalized. Investigators discovered the chilling truth: fentanyl was stored in secret compartments under playroom floor tiles. This revelation exposed the profound extent of harm stemming from the fentanyl epidemic, posing severe risks to the most innocent among us.

As part of an ongoing overdose fatality investigation in a Bronx daycare center on 9/15/23, a search warrant was conducted by @NYPDDetectives. A large quantity of Fentanyl, other narcotics, & drug paraphernalia was recovered in a trap floor in the play area at the daycare center. https://t.co/VycTB9hzpx pic.twitter.com/ZwaeukUHqS

— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) September 21, 2023

Horrific Betrayal of Trust

Grei Mendez, the daycare’s owner, has since admitted guilt for her involvement in the illegal drug activities. She faces a potential life sentence and moral condemnation for betraying the trust of parents who believed their children were in secure care. Authorities unearthed substantial quantities of fentanyl and press machines, illuminating the daycare’s dual role as a stash house.

“Grei Mendez has just admitted she conspired to maintain and distribute large quantities of dangerously toxic fentanyl in a Bronx daycare center, a place where parents expected their children would be protected and safe,” said Damian Williams, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York.

Mendez delayed emergency calls after discovering the children’s condition, prioritizing communication with her husband, who subsequently fled to Mexico. His arrest in California closed this horrifying chapter but also emphasized the need for vigilance against narcotic threats.

The husband of a Bronx day care owner was sentenced to decades in prison on Wednesday for his role in operating a fentanyl ring out of the facility which led to a toddler’s death last year. https://t.co/PKMrvLGx1j

— WNYC 🎙 (@WNYC) October 17, 2024

Call for Action Against Drug Threats

This case illuminates the urgent requirement for enhanced protections and regulatory oversight to safeguard children from disastrous narcotics operations. It highlights a broader societal issue where the demand for illegal substances imperils young lives.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams further commented, “This case has shown the senseless collateral damage caused by the fentanyl epidemic, and should remind us all that the demand for illegal narcotics so often puts innocent bystanders at risk while drug traffickers ruthlessly pursue profits.”

New York City officials, including Mayor Eric Adams, spotlighted intensified scrutiny on daycare centers to ensure child safety. The grave misconduct in this daycare underscores deficiencies in child care sector vigilance. This incident serves as a chilling reminder of the delicate line between innocence and peril, reminding communities nationwide of the importance of vigilance.