In a shocking turn of events, New York City officials have discovered both ghost guns and a 3D printer in an unlocked room at a licensed day care center. This discovery comes just days after fentanyl was found at another day care center, where a child fell ill and tragically died from apparent opioid exposure. Mayor Eric Adams addressed the situation at a news conference, expressing the urgent need to protect children in the city and vowing to take the lead in implementing stricter safety measures at day care sites.

The arrest of an 18-year-old further intensified the situation. The teenager was found to have 3D-printed ghost guns at his mother's home in East Harlem, which was being operated as a licensed day care center. The police discovered multiple ghost guns, including two completed 3D-printed guns and an assault pistol in the final stages of assembly, along with a 3D printer and printing tools. The teenager, identified as Karon Coley, is expected to face charges including illegal firearms possession, manufacturing of an assault weapon, and reckless endangerment.

Rebecca Weiner, the NYPD's Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism Bureau, highlighted the danger of ghost guns and 3D-printed firearms, stating that they can inflict just as much violence as commercial firearms. The discovery of these weapons was part of an investigation into the production and sale of privately made firearms in New York City.

The incident in East Harlem occurred less than two weeks after fentanyl was found at a day care center in the Bronx. The exposure to fentanyl resulted in the death of a 1-year-old child, Nicholas Dominici, and caused three other children to fall ill. During the investigation, law enforcement found fentanyl hidden under a trapdoor on the same floor where the children played, as well as in a closet on top of the children's play mats. Additionally, two kilo presses typically used for packaging large quantities of drugs were discovered in the closet. Three individuals, including the owner of the day care center, Grei Mendez, have been charged in connection with the incident. Mendez's husband, who was later arrested in Mexico, was also allegedly involved.

Christina Chang, the Executive Deputy Commissioner and Chief Program Officer of the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, assured the public that family day care sites undergo regular inspections, both announced and surprise visits. The last inspection at the East Harlem center took place in February, during which three violations related to documentation around feeding and sleeping schedules and verification from doctors were found. Corrective action was taken to address these issues.

Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of continually modifying rules to stay ahead of those who seek to create dangerous environments. He acknowledged the challenging nature of day care inspections and assured the public that inspectors thoroughly inspect areas such as closets and bathrooms. Adams did not provide specific details on the modifications that would be made.

The arrest of the 18-year-old manufacturing ghost guns and the discovery of fentanyl at the Bronx day care center have shed light on the alarming increase in privately made firearms in New York City. These weapons, often untraceable due to the absence of serial numbers, can be created using a 3D printer or assembled using shipped parts. Police officials reported a significant rise in the recovery of ghost guns in recent years, with 263 recovered in 2021, 436 in 2022, and 290 so far this year.

The apprehension of Grei Mendez's husband in Mexico adds another layer to the ongoing investigation. The husband was seen on security footage at the day care center on the day of the fentanyl exposure incident. He was taken into custody by Mexican state police and agents with the U.S. Marshals Service while on a bus heading to Sinaloa. His name has not been released. Mendez, along with Carlisto Acevedo Brito and Renny Antonio Parra Paredes, has been charged with various crimes related to the alleged drug operation at the Bronx day care center.

The tragic events at both the East Harlem and Bronx day care centers have sparked concern and outrage, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and heightened vigilance in ensuring the safety and well-being of children. The city officials, led by Mayor Eric Adams, are determined to take the lead in implementing necessary measures to protect the children of New York City.