We arrested eight people this week who are accused of operating a major gun and drug trafficking ring in and around Rufus King Park in Southeast Queens.
Three of the defendants are charged as major drug traffickers and the ringleader faces up to 150 years in prison.
Through a long-term wiretap investigation that I authorized, and was supervised by my office, the police intercepted numerous communications in which the defendants openly discussed their illegal activities.
This enabled us to secure search warrants for defendants' residences.
What police seized during these raids in Queens, Brooklyn and Nassau County confirmed what we suspected: This was a major trafficking operation.
During these raids, police seized more than 3 pounds of cocaine, four handguns, more than a pound of fentanyl, more than 1.5 pounds of hallucinogenic mushrooms, thousands of pills, including ecstasy and oxycodone, a car and more than $67,000 in cash.
Prior to the raids, undercover agents had bought cocaine and ecstasy from at least one of the defendants on 40 occasions. Undercovers also purchased five handguns from at least one of the defendants.
My top priority will always be keeping you and your loved ones safe.
In Friendship,
Melinda Katz
Queens District Attorney