U.S. Coast Guard’s Operation Pacific Viper Records Seizure of 100,000 Pounds of Cocaine

 

Operation Pacific Viper is stopping drugs before they reach American shores

Today, the Department of Homeland Security recognizes the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for seizing more than 100,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific Ocean since launching Operation Pacific Viper in early August.

Operation Pacific Viper is a surge in forces to the Eastern Pacific to stop the cartels and criminal organizations – cutting off drugs and human smuggling before it reaches American shores.

The operation has averaged about 1,600 lbs. of cocaine interdicted daily since it started. Its new milestone total is the result of 34 total interdictions since August.

“Operation Pacific Viper has proven to be a crucial weapon in the fight against foreign drug traffickers and cartels in Latin America and has sent a clear message that we will disrupt, dismantle, and destroy their deadly business exploits wherever we find it,” U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said. “In cutting off the flow of these deadly drugs, the Coast Guard is saving countless American lives and delivering on President Trump's promise to Make America Safe Again and reestablish our maritime dominance.”

“The Coast Guard’s seizure of over 100,000 pounds of cocaine, in such a short timeframe, is a remarkable achievement,” said Rear Adm. Jeffrey Novak, deputy commander of U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area. “When we say the Coast Guard is accelerating counter-narcotics operations, we mean it. Alongside our partners and allies, our maritime fighting force is scouring drug smuggling routes in the Eastern Pacific and dismantling narco-terrorist networks. We are complementing the Coast Guard’s unique law enforcement authorities with cutting-edge capabilities to stop the flow of deadly drugs that threaten U.S. communities. As we mark our interdiction of 100,000 pounds, we are already working towards the next milestone."  

In August, Operation Pacific Viper yielded the Coast Guard’s largest-ever drug offload in its history. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Hamilton offloaded over 76,000 pounds of illegal drugs, valued at $473 million, at Port Everglades, which included approximately 61,740 pounds of cocaine and approximately 14,400 pounds of marijuana.

Earlier this week, Secretary Noem announced an innovative solution to allow USCG personnel to get paid despite the government shutdown. Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Noem's leadership and the One Big Beautiful Bill, the brave men and women of the USCG continuing to carry out these critical operations will not miss a paycheck.

Operation Pacific Viper is an ongoing operation, and, under the leadership of Secretary Noem, the men and women of the Coast Guard will continue deploying overwhelming force to secure the Homeland from drug traffickers and transnational criminal organizations.

The crew of the USCGC Seneca (WMEC 906) recovers bales of cocaine after a suspected drug smuggling vessel capsized in the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 17, 2025. Seneca’s crew worked alongside interagency partners to interdict illicit narcotics in the international waters in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

USCGC Midgett intercepts suspected go-fast vessel during counter narcotics operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by ENS Harlan Brady)

Attorney General James Wins Lawsuit Against Sullivan County Mobile Home Park for Endangering Residents and Illegally Raising Rents

 

Judge Rules River Valley Estates Broke the Law by Forcing Residents to Endure Years of Water Outages, Polluted Tap Water, and Sewage Overflows into Homes

AG James Continues to Seek Restitution for Residents and Penalties

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that she has won her lawsuit against River Valley Estates, LLC (River Valley) for years of mistreating residents and illegal rent increases. Judge Meagan Galligan of the New York Supreme Court in Sullivan County found River Valley and its owners George Levin and Gayla Sue Levin violated New York laws by failing to provide residents with consistent clean water for years and for charging illegal fees and rent hikes that cost residents hundreds of thousands of dollars. The judge’s decision held that River Valley and its owners have violated numerous New York laws meant to protect the health and safety of manufactured home park tenants, causing residents to endure raw sewage overflowing into their homes, regular water outages, polluted water, and other unsafe conditions in their community. In addition, the court ruled that River Valley has charged illegal fees and rent increases and entered into unlawful leases that failed to protect tenants’ rights.

“Every New Yorker deserves a safe place to live with access to clean water,” said Attorney General James. “Not only were River Valley residents forced to suffer through years of dangerous conditions in their community, but they were also charged hundreds of thousands of dollars in unlawful fees and rent hikes. This treatment is illegal and unjustified, and today’s victory is a major step toward securing true justice for River Valley families.”

Attorney General James sued River Valley and the Levins in October 2024 for violating state laws meant to protect the health and safety of its tenants and prevent illegal rent hikes. Since 2017, over 200 residents of River Valley have endured dangerous conditions due to the park’s failure to maintain its water systems. As alleged in Attorney General James’ lawsuit, residents routinely face boil water orders and have their water shut off entirely, forcing them to spend their own money to obtain clean water. Park residents have described the water as putrid, sulfuric, sandy, gritty, and topped with a slick, oily film.

River Valley’s lack of water infrastructure causes significant hardships for its residents. On top of the health hazards, the added costs of purchasing clean water, paying for home filtration systems, and needing to wash laundry at separate facilities are serious burdens for the low-income population of the park. One resident described the unforeseen expense of having to purchase their own clean water as a “hidden tax of living at River Valley Estates.” The unpredictable nature of the boil water notices and lack of service is severely distressing and led one resident to rent a separate, additional lot at a different park to ensure access to safe water.

Residents of River Valley have also been subjected to illegal fees, rent increases, and improper leases that are violations of New York laws meant to protect tenants. River Valley charged residents who paid rent with a credit or debit card an illegal three percent fee on each transaction. In August 2022, River Valley imposed a permanent $39.50 garbage fee for all 229 park residents without proper notice. From 2019 to 2023, River Valley increased tenants’ rents during their lease terms, in violation of the law.

The court’s decision found River Valley’s owners liable for violating New York housing laws meant to ensure residents of manufactured home parks have a safe place to live. The court also found that River Valley’s excessive rent hikes were illegal, and that residents were charged illegal fees and credit card surcharges for rent payments and were subjected to illegal provisions in their leases. This is the first time a manufactured home park owner has been found liable for violating provisions of the 2019 Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act.

Attorney General James is seeking more than $2 million in restitution for residents in addition to over $200,000 in civil penalties for violations of the law. The court will soon consider additional briefings to determine remedies. 

Statement from NYC Comptroller Lander Praising Governor Hochul’s Decision to Pause Highway Expansion Projects

Following decisions by Governor Kathy Hochul to pause highway expansion projects slated for New York State Route 17 and the Cross Bronx Expressway, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander released the following statement:

“Two years ago in our report Shifting Gears, I called for New York State to move away from outdated highway expansion policies and instead prioritize funding from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to reduce congestion and emissions, repair aging infrastructure, and improve safety and accessibility for all New Yorkers.

“Last week, after advocacy from thousands of New Yorkers, Governor Hochul and the New York State Department of Transportation tabled two major highway expansion projects — Route 17 in upstate New York and the Cross Bronx Expressway — signaling a long-overdue shift away from decades of harmful transportation policies, and toward projects that prioritize safety, sustainability, and community health.

“In the face of petty and illegal funding rollbacks from the Trump Administration, Governor Hochul has repeatedly stood up for New York’s transit infrastructure—keeping congestion pricing on track, moving forward with capital funding for the MTA, and making these two important decisions to pause misguided highway expansion projects.

“New Yorkers are grateful to have a Governor who defends mass transit from bullies in Washington who have never stepped foot onto the subway.” 

Governor Hochul Celebrates Major Construction Milestone at Belmont Park

Redevelopment Project Generating $1 Billion in Economic Impact and 3,700 Union Construction Jobs

New Facility Set To Reopen in 2026 as a World-Class Racing and Entertainment Destination

Governor Kathy Hochul today joined The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), AECOM Tishman, Populous and unionized construction workers for a topping out ceremony, marking the placement of the final beam at the new Belmont Park, where New York State and NYRA are engaged in a multi-year redevelopment project to create a world-class racing and entertainment destination in Elmont.

“As we raise the final beam, today marks a major milestone for Belmont Park and New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “This project is more than simply rebuilding a racetrack — it’s creating jobs, boosting our economy and ensuring Belmont remains a world-class destination. This redevelopment means thousands of good-paying union jobs, new opportunities for local businesses and a facility that will attract visitors from around the world.”

Belmont Park will re-open for live racing in September 2026 with the Belmont Stakes, presented by NYRA Bets, set to return to its Long Island home in 2027 following a three-year period where the event was temporarily shifted to Saratoga Race Course. In May, Governor Hochul proudly announced the new Belmont Park as the site of the 2027 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, the annual year-end mega event last held in New York State in 2005.

The project to build a new Belmont Park will generate $1 billion in construction-related economic impact and create 3,700 construction-related jobs. Following the return of thoroughbred racing to Belmont in 2026, additional racing and non-racing activities at the new facility will generate $155 million in annual economic output and produce $10 million in new state and local tax revenue per year.

In 2023, Governor Hochul’s Executive Budget included a proposal for NYRA to modernize Belmont Park, and the FY24 Enacted Budget granted that approval, providing NYRA with a $455 million loan to build new racing facilities at the historic property in Elmont, N.Y.

Central to the Belmont Park redevelopment is a 300,000-square foot, five-story building featuring the amenities and hospitality offerings sports fans have come to expect. Designed by the renowned architectural firm Populous in conjunction with NYRA, the building will incorporate 21st century technology within a modern design representing a new era for Belmont Park.

As part of the overall redevelopment of Belmont Park, NYRA has expanded its commitment to modernizing the barn area and backstretch by completing the construction of two new dormitories since 2023, with construction on a third scheduled to begin later this fall. In addition to new residential housing at Belmont Park, NYRA has made significant further investments to improve backstretch quality of life by:

• Upgrading the on-site medical clinic
• Installing a modern Blue Light security system
• Upgrading the Recreation Hall and Track Kitchen facilities
• Renovating the on-site Gymnasium
• Implementing new flood mitigation strategies
• Ensuring access to reliable Wi-Fi

By reducing the grandstand’s overall footprint and introducing new pedestrian and vehicular tunnels to the infield, the new Belmont Park will provide fans and the surrounding community with more open and accessible green space than ever before.

When complete, the new Belmont Park will feature four newly constructed racing surfaces: the traditional 1 1/2-mile dirt main track, two turf courses, and a one-mile Tapeta track, which will serve as the exclusive surface for winter racing.

Upon completion of the new grandstand at Belmont in 2026, all racing operations at Aqueduct Racetrack will move to the new Belmont facility and the New York Racing Association will return the property back to the State of New York. In anticipation of Aqueduct's closure, Empire State Development in partnership with the Franchise Oversight Board will lead a planning process with local stakeholders to reimagine over 100 acres at the site in early 2026. Consistent with Governor Hochul's Executive Order 30, ESD shall consider the goal of creating additional housing.

For additional information on the new Belmont Park, please visit NewBelmont.com 

You're Invited! Ballot Proposals Town Hall

 

New York City Council Member

ERIC DINOWITZ

Proudly serving Riverdale, 

Dear Neighbor: 

Join me tomorrow night for an informational Town Hall on what will appear on your ballot in this upcoming election. See the flyer below for more details, and RSVP if you can by calling my office at 718-549-7300 or email dinowitz@council.nyc.gov 

 

See you tomorrow night! 

CITY OF NEW YORK TAKES ACTION TO PROTECT FEDERAL FUNDING FOR PLANNED PARENTHOOD

 

President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” Defunds Planned Parenthood  

  

Federal Funding Actions Will Prevent Approximately 1 Million

Patients from Using Medicaid at Clinics Nationwide 

The City of New York today — as part of a coalition of 22 cities and counties from across the country — has filed an amicus brief to protect federal funding for Planned Parenthood and their affiliated health centers , which provide critical reproductive health care services such as pregnancy tests, educational programs, elective abortions, cancer screenings, and HIV treatment. The coalition strongly supports plaintiffs in Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. et al. v. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. et al. who claim they are unlawfully targeted by the “Defund Provision” (Section 71113) of the federal Reconciliation Act enacted over the summer. The act, also known as “One Big Beautiful Bill,” imposes a one-year ban on Medicaid payments to health care centers that offer abortions and received more than $800,000 in federal funding in 2023 — criteria almost exclusive to Planned Parenthood.  

  

“Reproductive health care is health care, and our administration will always fight to protect New Yorkers access to the care they need,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Planned Parenthood clinics offer vital health care to our communities, and cutting off critical funding only hurts the thousands of low-income New Yorkers, and the nearly 1 million more across the nation, who rely on these clinics. Additionally, by restricting funding to local providers, the federal Reconciliation Act will put a strain on our local budget and negatively impact our economy. This does not make New Yorkers safe but does just the opposite. We must do what is right in ensuring that abortion, and all women’s health services, are protected and safe.” 

  

“The Trump administration has launched yet another assault on public health that will undermine the wellbeing of communities throughout the nation,” said New York City Corporation Counsel Muriel Goode-Trufant. “If the federal government is allowed to unlawfully defund Planned Parenthood, people in need of essential health care will be turned away, diseases will go untreated, and cancers will go undetected. This brief details the profoundly harmful impact this would have on individuals, local governments, and economies.”    

  

In July 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts granted a preliminary injunction preventing the federal government from applying the Defund Provision against any affiliate of Planned Parenthood. The court held that the provision likely violates the U.S. Constitution’s “bill of attainder clause,” which prohibits Congress and state legislatures from imposing punishments on individuals or entities without trial. In August 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit granted the Trump administration’s motion to stay the injunction pending the outcome of the federal government’s appeal.  

  

In the brief — led by the Public Rights Project — the coalition argues that cutting Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood threatens to undermine public health among substantial portions of the coalition's residents, as more than half of Planned Parenthood's patients rely on Medicaid, totaling approximately 1 million beneficiaries nationwide. The brief contends that the cuts will strain local health care systems, which often provide services of last resort when private clinics like Planned Parenthood are at capacity but are not currently equipped to absorb a large influx of patients if these clinics were to close.  

  

The coalition also asserts that cuts to Planned Parenthood will strain local economies. Without Planned Parenthood's services, local governments may need to divert additional funds to reproductive health services, putting pressure on local budgets. Further, poor health outcomes and reductions in educational services related to pregnancy can decrease participation in the labor force among greater populations. Additionally, Planned Parenthood itself employs hundreds of workers nationwide, many of whom may face layoffs.   

  

The risks to public health and local health care systems extend to the City of New York as well. Planned Parenthood serves close to 8,000 New York City residents every year, and even before these funding cuts, it reported to the City Council that its operations face significant underfunding due to prior Medicaid reductions. Moreover, other reproductive clinics in the city have recently been forced to pare back their operations, with one longstanding clinic recently closing two locations in Brooklyn.  

  

Joining the City of New York and the Public Rights Project were the cities of Los Angeles, Oakland, and San José, California; Evanston, Illinois; Baltimore, Maryland; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Hoboken, New Jersey; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Rochester, New York; Columbus, Ohio; Portland, Oregon; Bellingham, Washington; and Madison, Wisconsin; as well as the counties of Alameda, Marin, Santa Clara, San Francisco, California; Montgomery, Maryland; Allegheny, Pennsylvania; Harris, Texas; and Dane, Wisconsin.  

Affordable Housing Launches for 3044, 3046 Decatur Avenue in Norwood, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 3044 and 3046 Decatur Avenue, a pair of four-story residential building in Norwood, The Bronx. Designed by Badaly Architects and developed by Lin Kumbullaj of Kiri Construction Corp., the structures yield nine residences each. Available on NYC Housing Connect are four units for residents at 80 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $80,949 to $116,640.

Amenities include bike storage lockers, a shared laundry room, recylcling center, and green space. Residences are equipped with intercoms, hardwood floors, high-speed internet, and name-brand kitchen appliances, countertops, and finishes. Tenants are responsible for electricity and electric stove.

At 80 percent of the AMI, there are four one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,234 for incomes ranging from $80,949 to $116,640.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than October 29, 2025.

Roger Ver Admits to Misconduct and Enters into Deferred Prosecution Agreement

 

Ver, known as 'Bitcoin Jesus,' Paid Nearly $50 Million in Taxes, Penalties, and Interest 

Roger Ver, an early bitcoin investor known as “Bitcoin Jesus,” entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the Justice Department to resolve federal tax charges brought against him. Under the agreement, Ver has paid the IRS nearly $50 million in back taxes, penalties, and interest stemming from his willful failure to properly report his bitcoin holdings on tax returns when he expatriated from the United States in 2014. The government has moved to dismiss the indictment against him.

The following is according to the deferred prosecution agreement: Starting in 2011, Ver began acquiring bitcoins. Over the years, he avidly promoted them, even obtaining the moniker “Bitcoin Jesus.” In March 2014, Ver renounced his U.S. citizenship after obtaining citizenship in St. Kitts and Nevis, a process known as expatriation. Due to his net worth, Ver was required to file certain expatriation-related tax returns and to pay taxes on the capital gains on his world-wide assets, including his bitcoins.

In the agreement, Ver admitted that when he filed these returns in May 2016, he did not report all his bitcoins and pay the required capital gains tax on their constructive sale. Ver admitted that his failure to report capital gains from all these bitcoins caused a loss to the United States of $16,864,105. Ver admitted that the understatement of tax caused by his failure to report ownership of all his bitcoins was willful, which is legally defined as the intentional violation of a known legal duty. Accordingly, Ver admitted he owed the maximum penalty available under 26 U.S.C. § 6663 of more than $12 million, as well as interest on the taxes and penalties.

Associate Deputy Attorney General Ketan D. Bhirud of the Justice Department’s Office of the Deputy Attorney General; Acting United States Attorney Bilal A. Essayli for the Central District of California; and Kareem Carter, Executive Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office made the announcement.

“We are pleased that Mr. Ver has taken responsibility for his past misconduct and satisfied his obligations to the American public. This resolution sends a clear message: whether you deal in dollars or digital assets, you must file accurate tax returns and pay what you owe,” said Associate Deputy Attorney General Ketan D. Bhirud.

“Mr. Ver is accepting responsibility for his actions and has agreed to pay a substantial penalty,” said Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli of the Central District of California. “Every person, whether you’re a millionaire or not, is required by law to pay taxes and we will not hesitate to hold anyone accountable.”

“This resolution demonstrates that there are consequences for those who intentionally conceal their assets and evade their tax obligations,” said Kareem Carter, Executive Special Agent in Charge. “No matter how sophisticated the technology or the asset, IRS-CI will continue to follow the money, ensure compliance, and protect the integrity of our tax system.”

The Cyber Crimes Unit of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Washington, D.C. Field Office investigated the case.