June 13, 2007

DA:  33 Arrested for Trafficking Heroin

135 heroin overdoses in last four years prompt investigation into cross-county heroin trafficking

MINEOLA – Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice announced this morning that “Operation: State Property,” an investigation into the trafficking of high-purity heroin in Nassau and Kings Counties, has resulted in the take down of a major cross-county distribution network and the arrests of 33 men and women in both counties. The year-long investigation began on the streets of Hempstead and eventually led authorities to a distribution point in Bushwick, Brooklyn.

When snorted or injected, using high-purity heroin substantially increases the likelihood of a deadly overdose.  Rice said that the investigation into high-purity heroin was triggered by the alarming numbers of heroin overdoses over the last four years.  According to the Nassau County Medical Examiner, there were 135 heroin overdoses between 2003 and 2006. 

In April of 2006, Rice put together an investigative team to look into the sale of high-purity heroin on Nassau County streets.  The investigation quickly developed as the team began to dismantle a suspected trafficking group operating primarily out of the Village of Hempstead.  In making the arrests, and in reviewing the Medical Examiner’s reports on overdose cases, the team began to identify reoccurring brand names given to the heroin by its alleged suppliers.  One of the first brand names identified was “State Property.”   The team quickly traced “State Property” heroin to a supply point in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn.  Despite the network changing brand names throughout the investigation, investigators were able to arrest seven Brooklyn men and women in connection with the high-purity heroin.  Using “effect” jurisdiction, the District Attorney was able to arrest and charge the Brooklyn network with felony drug crimes, despite the sales occurring outside of Nassau County.  Also arrested was the group’s Nassau County network, comprised of 26 men and women.

“We have a responsibility to target not only the drugs on our streets, but the drugs being sold before they hit our streets,” said Rice.  “These drugs tear apart Nassau County communities and my office will continue to go after their distribution networks wherever they exist.”

While the investigation was unable to pin specific overdose cases on specific suspected drug dealers, through an analysis of the Medical Examiner reports and information obtained from confidential informants, the District Attorney was able to link many of the brand names found on the victims to those used by the distribution network.

In addition to “State Property,” the network allegedly used the following names:  “Thriller”, “Smack”, “Face Off”, “Gunsmoke”, “Hellraiser”, “Payback”, “Underworld”, “Lifesaver” and “Killer”.

Joining Rice at Wednesday’s press conference was Village of Hempstead Police Chief Joseph B. Wing, whose officers assisted the District Attorney’s office in numerous undercover purchases and in the gathering of substantial intelligence.  The District Attorney also thanked the New York Police Department’s 83rd precinct and Lieutenants Bob Rios and Chris Gately from NYPD Brooklyn North Narcotics for their hard work and assistance in this investigation.

“I would like to thank District Attorney Rice and her office for their cooperation. It is through these cooperative efforts that law enforcement can effectively tackle crime,” said Joseph B. Wing, Chief of the Village of Hempstead Police Department.

In addition to announcing the arrests, Rice also made available the phone numbers for the Nassau County Drug & Alcohol Hotline, 516 481-4000.  She urged those who suspect a friend or family member has a drug addiction to call these important treatment providers before it’s too late.

Rice said the victims over the last few years range in age from 16 to 59 years old and include men and women from nearly every community in Nassau County.

The charges described above are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.