New York law enforcement authorities report that 12 people were arrested for their alleged involvement in a drug ring operating in Staten Island. They were taken into custody following the execution of search warrants on July 20. A 70-year-old woman was reportedly among those who were charged.
The Staten Island District Attorney’s Office stated that the arrests followed a months-long investigation by the police. Law enforcement agents allegedly made a number of undercover buys of drugs from various alleged members of the ring. One of those taken into custody is a 27-year-old man who authorities claim is a member of the Latin Kings gang. The 70-year-old woman who was charged is the mother of a 29-year-old woman who was also charged and the grandmother of a 28-year-old woman who was also allegedly involved.
Upon executing their search warrants, law enforcement officers state that they found cocaine, crack and 634 bags of heroin. The 70-year-old woman was released without bail, but others remain in custody. The older woman claims that she did not know what was in the package that she handed to an undercover officer but simply handed it to him at her daughter’s bidding.
Drug crimes can result in serious consequences, especially if a person is convicted of distribution or sales. People who are facing charges may want to get the help of a criminal defense lawyer who has experience defending against such cases. Legal counsel may review the evidence in order to determine if the search was conducted properly. The lawyer may also be able to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecutor that is more favorable for the client.
New York Daily News, “Twelve nabbed in Staten Island heroin and cocaine ring bust,” Rocco Parascandola, July 23, 2016.