NYPD Makes Largest-Ever Mass Arrest of Gang Members in NYC History
The New York Police Department (NYPD) and the federal government recently collaborated on a mass arrest of more than 120 gang members from two rival gangs. A number of law enforcement agencies worked together to make the pre-dawn arrests, including the NYPD, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the US Department of Homeland Security.
The investigation focused on two gangs that have reportedly terrorized residents in the North Bronx for quite some time. One of the gangs, the 2Fly gang, operates across the United States. The other gang, the Big Money Bosses (BMB gang), allegedly committed white collar crimes, such as bank fraud and embezzlement, primarily within New York.
Many of the arrested individuals are accused of committing countless violent crimes, including murder, drug distribution, weapons offenses and robbery.
Federal prosecutors indicated that a lot of the victims were children, with the suspects allegedly preying on minors and attempting to sell illicit narcotics near NYC school and parks. One prominent New York law enforcement official said that the suspects “engaged in open-air drug sales near homes and schools in the Bronx, pushing poison onto our streets.”
At least eight suspects have been charged with murder. Officials believe that the arrested gang members may be responsible for as many as 39 homicides.
Most of the suspects who were placed under arrest have already been indicted in U.S. District Court on federal racketeering charges.
After the arrests were made, NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton said that the suspects could very well be responsible for as many as half of all gun crimes in New York City in recent years.
Bratton also warned other gangs that the NYPD will soon be coming after them as well. There are believed to be as many as 375 dangerous gangs operating in New York City, with many of the gang members committing violent crimes.
For further information, read the NY Post article, “With Largest Gang Bust Ever, the NYPD Shows off New Ways to Get the Job Done.”
If you have been charged with illegal handgun possession, drug possession or any other criminal offense in New York, it is imperative that you talk to a qualified criminal defense attorney immediately. The experienced criminal defense lawyers at the LaDuca Law Firm are prepared to help you fight your criminal charges and avoid the most severe penalties. Contact us today to discuss your case or schedule a free consultation at our office in Rochester, NY.
