DA Hynes announces large drug bust in Red Hook Houses

An eight-month investigation of narcotics activity in and around the Red Hook Houses resulted in the arrest of 14 individuals for dealing drugs, and in the seizure of 23 packages of crack/cocaine, a “large volume” of rock cocaine, 70 glassines of heroin, two pounds of marijuana, and a “heat press” machine used for packaging.

Brooklyn District Attorney Charles J. Hynes called the “takedown” a collaboration between the Kings County DA’s Major Narcotics Investigations Bureau and the NYPD’s Brooklyn South Narcotics Unit.

The investigation began in summer 2012 in response to community complaints, which 76th Precinct Captain Jeffrey Schiff frequently addressed during Precinct Community Council meetings held at the time.

While Schiff reported focusing on the day-to-day conflicts stemming from gang-related activity, such as shootings and robberies, the narcotics investigation cast a wider net.

“My commitment to Red Hook is steadfast,” said Hynes. “When this community asked for help with violent crime and drug activity years ago, I developed the Community Justice Center and we turned things around together.  When it looked like the drug activity was creeping back last year and they once again asked for help, my office immediately commenced this comprehensive investigation, now in its second phase.  These resilient folks survived Hurricane Sandy, and I assure you that I’m not going to let a bunch of drug dealers stand in their way as they continue to strive for excellence.”

The majority of over 60 drug sales to undercover narcotics detectives took place “within a four-block radius of Hicks Street and Centre Mall.” Thursday’s raid required six search warrants at apartments at 507 Columbia Street, 22 Mill Street, 11 Bush Avenue, and 82 Dwight Street.

Most of those arrested were drug deals who operated independently of one another.

They face charges of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, Criminal Possession of Marijuana in the Second Degree, Criminal Possession of Marijuana in the Third Degree, Criminal Sale of Marijuana in the Fourth Degree, and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana.

The investigation also yielded 12 previous arrests in September of 2012.

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