Following a year-long investigation, 43 Queens residents have been charged with various crimes relating to a massive bust in Jamaica, according to the Queens District Attorney’s (D.A.) Office.
The defendants ranging in age from 16 to 52, face charges of selling and possessing narcotics – namely – cocaine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, and marijuana.
Several individuals have also been charged with non-drug offenses, including possession of a weapon.
According to a press release from the D.A.’s office, police began their investigation, which included “extensive physical surveillance” and “officer’s posing as narcotic customers,” in September 2011 following a spike in drug related shootings near South Road and Sutphin Boulevard.
“Two weeks ago, an NYPD Sergeant was shot in the same Jamaica neighborhood where many of these arrests took place and that shooting is a reminder that police officers patrolling neighborhoods, or conducting undercover investigations, perform their duties often at great risk to themselves,” said Police Commissioner Kelly.
Anyone with any information regarding the Jamaica shooting is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS. All calls are anonymous
