Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly today announced the arrest of 31 individuals involved in a drug dealing operation in the Mitchel Houses in the Bronx. These arrests are the culmination of "Operation Hellbound" which began in September 2001. The 40th Precinct Detective Squad led the investigation and received assistance from the Bronx Homicide Task Force, Bronx Narcotics and the Federal Bureau of
Investigation.

The group sold crack cocaine in and around the Mitchel Houses, but the backbone of the operation was violence. In September of 2001, the investigation of a murder in the 40th Precinct revealed a large and embedded organization. The case was quickly expanded and officers made undercover buys of both crack and guns.

Commissioner Kelly said: "No investigation is routine. Our detectives showed particular deftness in this case. A single investigation grew into a vast drug conspiracy case against a violent, predatory group. We are all better off with these individuals off the street and bound for prison."

Those arrested are all facing drug conspiracy charges, but investigators believe that they are responsible for at least 12 homicides and multiple non-fatal shootings and assaults. Detectives expect charges to be added while these individuals are incarcerated. As part of today's takedown, officers served four search warrants on
apartments in the Mitchel Houses. In addition to extensive documents outlining their dealings, officers recovered a .22 caliber handgun.

The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.