New York: man arrested with 20,000 fentanyl pills released without bail

Judge James Clyne of New York released without bail a man who was arrested for possession of about 20,000 fentanyl pills, despite the fact that this type of offense can necessitate cash bail.

According to the New York Post, the arrest took place on Sunday at around 2:00 p.m. in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. The detainee, Manuel Pagan, was arrested, and agents charged him with criminal possession of a controlled substance.

According to the police, the variety of fentanyl seized were of the so-called "rainbow" variety, which is commonly consumed by young people. Fentanyl caused 77% of overdose deaths among teenagers in 2021.

Pagan's trial is scheduled for Dec. 15. He faces two charges: criminal possession of narcotics for distribution and possession of more than eight narcotic pills.

Since Biden took office in 2021, fentanyl overdose deaths have increased by 23%. During this year, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized more than 10.2 million fentanyl pills.