A new york state police car parked in manhattan. The new york state police is the official state police force of the u. S. State of new york, and employs over 5,000 sworn state troopers. — A New York State Police car parked in Manhattan. The New York State Police is the official state police force of the U.S. state of New York, and employs over 5,000 sworn state troopers.

ORANGE COUNTY, NY – Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler and Sheriff Paul Arteta announced significant arrests stemming from a comprehensive law enforcement operation known as “Operation Hot Lunch.” This major initiative targeted firearm and narcotics trafficking in Orange County, culminating in the dismantling of a $3 million per year cocaine distribution network.

The operation, which included judicially authorized wiretaps, undercover operations, and search warrants, has become the largest gun trafficking case in the history of Orange County. A total of 33 defendants have been charged with various offenses related to the possession and sale of narcotics and guns.

On May 21, law enforcement agencies executed a coordinated enforcement action after a six-month-long investigation led by the Orange County Drug Task Force, in collaboration with multiple local and state agencies. This led to the arrest of 26 individuals, with two awaiting extradition from other states and one currently in ICE custody. Authorities are also seeking the public’s assistance in locating four more individuals connected to the operation.

Central to the operation was Kirkland Salmon, who allegedly coordinated four separate conspiracies to traffic narcotics and firearms. Operating from a food truck in the City of Newburgh, Salmon received substantial quantities of cocaine and firearms, which he then distributed throughout the county. The investigation uncovered extensive distribution networks operated by narcotics suppliers Owen Beckford and Joshua Arnold.

On the day of the crackdown, authorities seized over 11 kilograms of cocaine, about 90 grams of fentanyl, seven firearms, high-capacity magazines, numerous rounds of ammunition, roughly $45,000 in cash, and various items used for drug trafficking, including scales and packaging materials. Ten vehicles and one food truck used in the criminal activities were also confiscated.

District Attorney Hoovler expressed gratitude towards all participating agencies for their collaboration in this significant enforcement effort.

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