Prosecutors say five drug organizations turned a busy South Bronx shopping district into an open-air narcotics market linked to overdoses and widespread drug activity
BRONX, N.Y. — A yearlong investigation targeting drug trafficking in the South Bronx has resulted in 32 people being charged in connection with five alleged narcotics organizations that authorities say flooded the area with fentanyl, heroin and other drugs while fueling overdoses and open-air drug dealing.
The sweeping crackdown focused on the Hub, a major commercial and transit corridor where East 149th Street, Third Avenue and Melrose Avenue converge.
According to Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, investigators dismantled five drug organizations known as Ghost, Prada, TikTok, Brook and Bugatti.
Authorities allege the groups operated within and around the Hub, creating a marketplace where narcotics were openly sold and used throughout the day.
Prosecutors said wiretap evidence captured members discussing drug brands with names such as Bugatti, TikTok, Prada and Bad Bunny, while acknowledging that some products were causing users to collapse from overdoses.
The investigation resulted in the seizure of approximately 30 pounds of fentanyl, 12 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, a kilogram of cocaine, five firearms and roughly $100,000 in cash.
Officials said at least five overdoses occurred in the area during the period covered by the investigation.
Four defendants were charged with Operating as a Major Trafficker, one of New York’s most serious narcotics offenses.
Those defendants include:
- Miguel Santiago, also known as Chance
- Milagros Jimenez, also known as La Vieja
- Luis Castro, also known as Cagua
- Anthony Cruz, also known as Menor
If convicted of the major trafficker charge, the defendants could face life in prison.
Authorities said Santiago, Jimenez and Castro were remanded following arraignment proceedings, while Cruz was arrested in Florida on June 12.
Four additional defendants remain at large.
Investigators said the organizations operated with structured hierarchies that included suppliers, leaders, managers, street dealers and runners responsible for distributing thousands of fentanyl-filled glassines.
In addition to the 32 defendants named in the indictments, nine other people were arrested during the execution of 12 search warrants and face separate drug possession charges.
The case is being prosecuted by the Bronx District Attorney’s Office Special Investigations Bureau.
Key Points
- Thirty-two people were charged in five Bronx drug trafficking indictments.
- Investigators seized 30 pounds of fentanyl, 12 pounds of methamphetamine, five firearms and $100,000 in cash.
- Four defendants face major trafficker charges that carry potential life sentences.
