Prosecutors say a years-long investigation led to the indictment of 10 people, the seizure of 10 kilograms of cocaine and allegations of drug trafficking stretching from Queens into Nassau County.
QUEENS, N.Y. — A long-running undercover investigation into an alleged drug trafficking operation based in Jamaica has resulted in the indictment of 10 people accused of distributing cocaine, heroin and fentanyl throughout Queens and into Nassau County, prosecutors announced.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said the investigation, dubbed Operation Bell Tower, began in November 2022 and targeted an organization that allegedly operated from several locations, including an unlicensed social club known as the Spizot on 177th Street in Jamaica.
According to the indictment, the defendants are variously charged with conspiracy, criminal sale of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a controlled substance and related offenses.
Prosecutors allege the organization sold cocaine, heroin, fentanyl-laced heroin and the generic form of Xanax through multiple participants with different roles in the operation.
Authorities said undercover officers conducted a series of controlled drug purchases between January and April as part of the investigation.
Court-authorized search warrants executed during the investigation led to the seizure of:
- Approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value exceeding $250,000.
- More than 500 grams of fentanyl.
- A loaded 9mm Ruger handgun.
- More than $15,000 in cash.
- Drug packaging materials, scales and a narcotics press.
According to prosecutors, one defendant, 54-year-old Castell Brown of Roosevelt, Nassau County, is charged with operating as a major trafficker and could face a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted.
Other defendants are accused of roles ranging from alleged suppliers and distributors to storing narcotics and conducting street-level sales.
District Attorney Katz said the investigation focused on disrupting the distribution of dangerous narcotics linked to overdose deaths.
The case was investigated by the Queens District Attorney’s Office Strategic Investigations Bureau and the New York City Police Department’s Narcotics Borough Queens South.
The charges contained in the indictment are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Ten defendants were indicted following a long-term drug trafficking investigation in Queens.
- Investigators seized 10 kilograms of cocaine, more than 500 grams of fentanyl, a loaded handgun and cash.
- Prosecutors allege the operation distributed cocaine, heroin and fentanyl from Jamaica into Nassau County.