A Queens man and New Jersey woman are under arrest after federal agents raid a suspected drug operation in Long Island City.
Prosecutors say 34 year-old Brian Parker and 29 year-old Victoria Koleski conspired to distribute a synthetic opioid, which authorities say is several times more powerful than morphine.
Parker allegedly made and distributed the drugs through two online companies he controlled.
The substances he allegedly sold were linked to an overdose death in Wisconsin last year.
Authorities say Koleski was among those who helped him distribute the drugs.
A man who lives across the street describes the scene.
"We saw people in HAZMAT uniforms or some sort of foil uniforms testing or decontaminating items on a table outside the building," the neighbor said. "We saw DEA and other law enforcement agencies swarming the building."
Both Parker and Koleski are facing several charges.
Each count carries a maximum of 20 years in prison and a million dollar fine.