Coronavirus Kills: Heroin Dealers Name Drug After Fatal Virus

NEW YORK CITY — Most New Yorkers have been trying their best to avoid coronavirus, but drug dealers in The Bronx hoped to make millions selling it, prosecutors say.

Cops seized about $1 million worth of "coronavirus" branded heroin and fentanyl during a University Heights drug bust Thursday night, according to New York City’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor.

“Coronavirus,” “Hiroshima,” “Isis,” and “Antrax” are just a few names stamped onto 120,000 glassine envelopes by six accused drug dealers who now face major trafficking charges in Manhattan Criminal Court, said prosecutors.

Cops found the branded drugs in an apartment at 2333 Loring Place North after witnessing a drug handoff near the George Washington Bridge Thursday night, prosecutors said.

The Bronx home was stocked with $25,000 cash, 120,000 packets of heroin or fentanyl, drug packaging equipment and ink pads to brand the lethal product, according to prosecutors.

“Coronavirus”and “24 Black Mamba” stamped drugs have been linked to multiple fatal oversodes in New Jersey, prosecutors said.

Dariel Fermin, 31, is charged with operating as a major trafficker, criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminally using drug paraphernalia, according to the Special Prosecutor's office.

Cindy Cortoreal, 35, Ana Lora Diaz, 24, Yamilka Fermin, 34, Manuel Morillo, 54, and Frank Marte Urena, 35, face charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the First Degree and criminally using drug paraphernalia, according to a press release.

"As New York city and the metropolitan area lose thousands of loved ones to coronavirus, six people in the Bronx are charged with mixing and distributing more than a hundred thousand packets of fentanyl and heroin stamped with the name of the deadly virus, trying to capitalize of the pandemic’s lethal reputation,” said Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan.

“Taking a million dollars’ worth of deadly drugs off the street is critical at this time, when isolation and fear make substance users ever more vulnerable."