Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly and Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan today announced arrests and indictments of 35 individuals involved in narcotics trafficking at Noble Drew Ali Housing Complex in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn.

The defendants, who range in age from 15 years old to 47, controlled over 20 apartments at Noble Drew Ali in the complex where heroin and cocaine users congregated on a daily basis. Heroin, cocaine, marijuana, numerous weapons, large quantities of ammunition, and bullet proof vests were seized during the investigation. Members of the operation also utilized pit bulls, which were bred at the complex, to intimidate legitimate residents of the Noble Drew Ali complex and to maintain security among members of the operation.

Arrests, which began early Monday morning, included Michael Watson, of 1317 Decatur Street in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, the overall supplier of heroin to the Noble Drew Ali Housing complex. Also arrested was Musa Johnson, Sr., who oversaw the distribution operation at Noble Drew Ali. Among those involved in the operation were Johnson’s son Musa Johnson, Jr., and his daughter Charell Smith, both of whom were charged with Conspiracy in the First Degree and narcotics possession. Sakaur Mason, a participant in the distribution operation who is charged with narcotics crimes was additionally charged with Assault in the First Degree in connection with a November 25, 2006 shooting at 250 Lott Avenue in the Noble Drew Ali Complex as a result of a dispute with other members of the operation. Also arrested was Devere Leggett, a participant in the narcotics operation who is charged with possessing over 200 glassines of heroin. Leggett is additionally charged with Arson in the Second Degree resulting from an incident on January 31, 2007 in 230 Lott Avenue, where the defendant is alleged to have set a communal stash apartment on fire after a dispute with other dealers in the complex.