New York City Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly and Bridget Brennan, Special Narcotics Prosecutor, today announced the arrest of 14 individuals running a drug dealing operation in the Bronx. The arrests were made by officers from Narcotics Borough Bronx and included the organization’s bosses, managers and enforcers. This group sold various quantities of crack cocaine in the Adams and St. Mary’s Houses in the 40th Precinct and estimates indicate they generated almost a million dollars a year.

Police Commissioner Kelly said: “As we have repeatedly seen, violence and the sale of illegal drugs go hand-in-hand. The Department remains vigilant in focusing on drug dealers and putting them out of business. The diligent work of the officers and the members of the Special Prosecutor’s office involved in this case is to be commended.”

Special Prosecutor Brennan said: “Ridding our communities of entrenched drug dealing and returning housing developments to law abiding citizens are among our top priorities. This investigation represents our continued commitment to eradicating street level narcotics trafficking and providing safe housing to the people of New York.”

This operation began in December of 2003 as part of an investigation into seemingly unrelated acts of violence. Detectives soon established connections between the violence and the illegal drug trade operating in these two housing developments. Members of Bronx Narcotics gathered evidence and intelligence which ultimately enabled undercover officers to buy narcotics. The officers eventually purchased 949 bags of crack and two large rocks of the drug.

This investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected