ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Three people are in federal custody following what authorities are calling a major drug and gun bust.
"Thanks for coming, folks, we're here to announce a very significant seizure," said U.S. Attorney William Hochul.
Large amounts of heroin, nine kilograms of cocaine and crack cocaine worth $380,000, and another $370,000 in cash was found at four locations around the Rochester area.
"What was a significant seizure in its own right becomes only the tip of the iceberg,” said Hochul.
Also taken from the locations were 14 guns, including semi-automatics and piles of ammunition.
"This is a significant seizure for Rochester. These many guns, drugs, money, we don’t always get all of it,” said William Reichard, with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Facing charges of drug possession with intent to distribute are Victor Rivera, 51, of Rochester, and his sons, Blake Rivera, 31, of Greece, and Chayanne Rivera, 25, of Gates.
The investigation began with the confiscation of more than ½ kilo of heroin in December. The drugs had been sent via FedEx, to Victor Rivera's home on Curtis Street in the city.
"It's really unbelievable that it happened,” said Lakeeda Brinson, neighbor.
Brinson says it's not the kind of thing you'd expect in the area they live.
"I have no thoughts because my street is a quiet street, so I don’t expect that at all,” said Brinson.
Authorities say several undercover drug buys were also made at the Curtis Street location. Authorities say the drugs were processed and sold there, but were stored, along with guns, at a storage facility in Henrietta.
Federal prosecutors say they saw Blake Rivera going to and leaving the storage unit several times. Inside the unit they found a car registered to Rivera's wife. Inside that car, they found large amounts of cocaine and seven guns, including two AK-47's.
"They waited until they observed activity at the storage units, hit the search warrants at that time and they obtained that large quantity of cocaine. Particularly large for Rochester,” said Andy Rodriguez, with the U.S. Attorney's Office.
"When you see the weapons it's kind of scary,” said Dave Talbot, neighbor.
In Blake Rivera's neighborhood, Talbot described Rivera as a good neighbor, and saw no signs of what he was allegedly involved in.
“I'll be quite honest with you, they're the nicest people I've ever known. Respectful of us and our neighborhood,” said Talbot.
Cocaine was found at his house, and inside Chayanne Rivera’s home in the town of Gates. Authorities say weapons were recovered from all locations.
"It's a stellar grab our guys had. The amount of sheer firepower that's right there,” said Deputy Chief Scott Peters.
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing.
In three neighborhoods, people have the same thought: you never truly know your neighbor.
"I don't know what happened over here, but it's too bad," said Talbot.
The charges carry a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison with a maximum of life in prison and a $10 million fine.
Rivera and Chayanne appeared before Judge Payson in federal court Monday afternoon. The third defendant in this case, Rivera, made his initial appearance separately Monday morning.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Everardo Rodriguez told the judge both men are flight risks and a danger to the community. Time Warner Cable News was able to speak with the attorney's representing Victor and Chayanne. Their counsel says the men have been in custody since Tuesday as they were initially charged in state court.
Both lawyers were adamant in saying this is just the beginning of a very long process.
"Obviously they have lodged a complaint, that's all it is, an allegation, my client has maintain his innocence and will continue to maintain his innocence and I will fight vigorously on his behalf," said Paul Vacca, Chayanne's attorney.
"He has maintained his innocence, these charges, remember just because you're charged it's not even an indictment, what we are charged with here, what Victor Rivera is charged with is a criminal complaint," said James Vacca, Victor's attorney.
Chayanne and Victor will be back in federal court for a detention hearing on Monday morning. At that time bail will be set. Both men are being held at the Monroe County Jail.