A large drug center was located and dismantled in a space that was used as a nursery.
A major drug trafficking network was dismantled on Long Island by New York police authorities, who released the information on Monday, March 15.
After 18 months of investigation, the authorities were able to close down an extensive drug trafficking network, where at least 40 people were involved. The operation left 33 arrests, so far.
The value of the seized drug, which includes cocaine, heroin and fentanyl, is estimated at $ 2,772,000. A considerably high amount, the authorities indicated.
The drug network was distributed in two nurseries where children attend daily. Illegal substances were packaged at the site and later distributed.
“Parents trying to overcome the pandemic left their children in a nursery and this is what their children were exposed to. It’s horrible for me as a mother and as a district attorney. “, said Madeline Singas, Nassau County prosecutor, according to the NY Journal.
One of the detainees was identified by the authorities as Lex Lloyd 24-year-old, who allegedly was in charge of packaging and distributing cocaine and oxycodone from his residence, which also functioned as an illegal nursery, the outlet noted.
This operation called “Operation Honeycomb” was in charge of the United States Postal Service, the FBI, the New York State Police and the Bureau of Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The team of police officers involved in the operation showed their outrage at the danger to which dozens of children who attended this nursery were exposed.
“It is completely despicable to do that with children around. A granule of fentanyl can kill you, and that in an adult “said NYSP Captain Christopher Casale.
Read here: 214% increased drug seizures in New York
Following an increase in violence in the town of Hempstead, where the drug ring was located, the authorities began an arduous investigation to find those involved in the trafficking of illicit substances.
In the police operation, at least 38 illegal weapons were seized, with 20 pounds of cocaine and heroin, details the Diario NY.
Entre los acusados destacan: Able McTootle, Eric Butler, Willy Matias, Allen Evans, Eric Poston, Matthew Williams, Orlando Ramsay y Rodney Highsmith.
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, drug use and trafficking increased to levels not seen in decades in New York. The price of cocaine registered an increase for last August of $ 55,000 a kilogram of this drug, since demand exceeded supply, detailed The New York Post.
Regarding the dismantling of this drug trafficking network, ATF agent Erik Murray added that “It is a very dangerous band.”
“We took down some very important subjects in terms of criminal activity and violence in Hempstead and Long Island”, he expressed.
Drug seizures on the rise
The coronavirus pandemic did not stop drug trafficking especially towards New York, where seizures of illicit substances have risen exponentially compared to last year, authorities reported.
Data from the United States Customs and Border Protection Office showed that drugs are located in 16 important points in New York, an increase of about 968% compared to 2019.
Despite the paralysis due to the coronavirus pandemic, the distribution of drugs has not stopped. Law enforcement officials continue to fight the other deadly pandemic hitting New York and the United States.
You can also read: 900% increased drug seizures to New York
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