Posted on: December 20, 2024 12:00 PM

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Drug trafficking operation dismantled in Jamaica

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the indictment of nine individuals charged with conspiracy, drug trafficking and other crimes following a two-year investigation into a narcotics organization based in Jamaica. The investigation, dubbed “Operation the Price is Right,” included a series of undercover drug buys and use of electronic surveillance.

District Attorney Katz said: “The indictment of nine individuals in this case sends a clear message: we will not relent in our efforts to dismantle drug rings and hold accountable those who peddle poison in our communities. I’d like to thank members of my Major Economic Crimes Bureau and the NYPD, especially the undercover officers who placed themselves directly in harm’s way, for their work on this case.”

Three of the defendants were apprehended on Tuesday following the execution of court-authorized search warrants and arraigned today on a 48-count indictment charging them with conspiracy, criminal sale of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a firearm, attempted criminal possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment. Queens Supreme Court Justice Stephanie Zaro ordered the defendants to return to court February 13, 2025.

According to the charges and investigation, the crew, under the leadership of John Price, sold crack cocaine, powder cocaine, heroin, heroin mixed with fentanyl, and fentanyl at various locations throughout Jamaica. The primary activity took place in the vicinity of 109th Avenue and 157th Street, directly adjacent to the P.S. 48, The David N. Dinkins School for Community Service.

From DA