PLAINVIEW, NY – Nassau County police arrested two Florida men last week following one of the largest narcotics seizures in county history, authorities announced.
Officers from the Nassau County Police Department’s Narcotics Vice Squad, with support from the Criminal Intelligence Rapid Response Team, seized 312 kilograms of suspected cocaine – roughly 687 pounds – in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn on Sunnyside Boulevard in Plainview on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
The haul was displayed by officials at a news conference earlier this week and was described as having a street value of about $20 million.
Arrests and Charges
Police identified the suspects as Michael Viera, 40, and Daniel Santana, 35, both of DeLand, Florida. Detectives allege they observed what they believed was a drug transaction involving the pair before approaching their vehicle and making the arrests without incident.
Both men have been charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First and Third Degrees. They were arraigned in Nassau County’s First District Court in Hempstead and are being held pending further proceedings.
What Officials Are Saying
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman described the seizure as “one of the largest, if not the largest, drug busts we’ve ever had on Long Island,” saying the significant amount of cocaine was intended for distribution across the region.
Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder echoed those remarks, emphasizing the quantity of narcotics removed from circulation.
Possible Expanded Charges
Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said her office is reviewing the case to determine whether additional charges, including drug trafficking or operating as major traffickers, could be pursued. Such charges can carry significantly longer prison terms than the possession counts currently filed.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities stated the investigation into the source and destination of the drugs, as well as possible co-conspirators, is ongoing. Officials have not disclosed additional details about whether any organized crime connections are suspected.
Key Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Large-scale cocaine seizure and arrests |
| Date of Arrest | Thursday, January 29, 2026 |
| Time | Approximately 8:54 p.m. |
| Location | Plainview, Nassau County, New York |
| Specific Site | Holiday Inn on Sunnyside Boulevard |
| Arresting Agencies | Nassau County Police Department Narcotics Vice Squad with assistance from the Criminal Intelligence Rapid Response Team (CIRRT) |
| Suspects | Michael Viera, 40, and Daniel Santana, 35 |
| Residences | Both listed as residents of DeLand, Florida |
| Drugs Seized | Approximately 312 kilograms (about 687 pounds) of suspected cocaine |
| Estimated Value | Authorities estimate the drugs were worth approximately $20 million |
| Charges | Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance – 1st Degree; Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance – 3rd Degree |
| Arraignment | February 1, 2026, First District Court, Hempstead |
| Status | Investigation remains ongoing; additional charges are under review |
