Investigators: Man ran ecstasy 'cook lab' out of Mastic home

<p>Federal officials say an intercepted package led them to uncover a &quot;cook lab&quot; in a Mastic home that was being used to produce ecstasy.</p>

News 12 Staff

Dec 15, 2018, 3:00 PM

Updated 1,957 days ago

Share:

Federal officials say an intercepted package led them to uncover a "cook lab" inside a Mastic home that was being used to produce ecstasy.
Teams with Homeland Security Investigations, Suffolk police and other agencies descended on the Roda Drive home on Friday, with some officers in hazmat suits. Photographs released by the U.S. Attorney's Office show what appears to be a sophisticated laboratory setup inside the home with several large barrels and other equipment.
The man accused of running the lab, 44-year-old Joseph Guida, was arrested. Authorities say he's a public employee with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.
According to court documents, the laboratory was producing enough ecstasy to be sold on the street. Guida was also allegedly growing marijuana inside the home.
Investigators say Guida lives in Queens. They say an intercepted package that was being delivered to him from China led them to open the investigation. The package contained MDMA, the substance used to make ecstasy.
Neighbors on Roda Drive in Mastic were stunned at the scene that unfolded on their normally quiet street.
"We didn't believe it. You can't believe things like that," says John Weiser, a neighbor. "We thought something was wrong when we never saw the man. He bought the house a few years ago and that's all. He used to cut the grass and nobody ever knew him."
Guida was arraigned Friday and was ordered held without bail.


More from News 12
2:02
Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

1:56
Temperatures to plummet overnight; winter-like chills expected Thursday morning

Temperatures to plummet overnight; winter-like chills expected Thursday morning

2:04
Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

1:47
Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

1:59
NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

1:46
NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

2:25
Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

1:42
New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

1:35
The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

1:14
Police Athletic League hosts annual singing and dancing competition for kids

Police Athletic League hosts annual singing and dancing competition for kids

1:35
New Yankees murals at Bronx Terminal Market pays homage to Black baseball legends

New Yankees murals at Bronx Terminal Market pays homage to Black baseball legends

1:04
DOT adds $6 million to boost overnight and evening deliveries over peak hours

DOT adds $6 million to boost overnight and evening deliveries over peak hours

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:20
MTA service alerts system now includes bridges, tunnels

MTA service alerts system now includes bridges, tunnels

0:23
Police: 2 men wanted for robbing Gamestop store at knifepoint in East Tremont

Police: 2 men wanted for robbing Gamestop store at knifepoint in East Tremont

0:24
NYPD: Suspect at large in West Concourse stabbing that left victim in grave condition

NYPD: Suspect at large in West Concourse stabbing that left victim in grave condition

2:07
Two NYPD officers arrested and facing multiple charges of sexual assault

Two NYPD officers arrested and facing multiple charges of sexual assault

1:57
Security heightened at Bronx Home Depot following customer complaints of uncomfortable encounters

Security heightened at Bronx Home Depot following customer complaints of uncomfortable encounters

DA: 3 teens indicted for killing bystander, wounding 4 in subway shooting

DA: 3 teens indicted for killing bystander, wounding 4 in subway shooting

1:53
Bronx bookworms take part in writing workshop for World Book Day

Bronx bookworms take part in writing workshop for World Book Day