QUEENS, N.Y. – Nine individuals have been indicted on conspiracy, drug trafficking, and other charges following a two-year investigation into a narcotics operation in Jamaica, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced.
Dubbed “Operation the Price is Right,” the investigation included undercover drug buys and electronic surveillance targeting a network led by John Price. The organization allegedly distributed crack cocaine, powder cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl in areas near 109th Avenue and 157th Street, adjacent to P.S. 48, The David N. Dinkins School for Community Service.
DA Katz praised the investigative team, saying, “We will not relent in our efforts to dismantle drug rings and hold accountable those who peddle poison in our communities.”
Three defendants were apprehended Tuesday during searches of residences in Springfield Gardens and Jamaica. They were arraigned Wednesday on a 48-count indictment. The searches yielded large quantities of narcotics, including 44 grams of heroin, 264 grams of fentanyl, 317 grams of cocaine, and 62 grams of crack cocaine, alongside drug paraphernalia, a loaded .44-caliber revolver, and a press used to shape narcotics.
An additional three defendants were already in custody, and three others remain at large. Defendant Kenny Paul, identified as a supplier, was arrested earlier in connection with a November 2024 shooting and remains remanded after the recovery of four illegal firearms, 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, and $140,000 in cash.
Intercepted communications revealed the defendants used coded language, referring to heroin as “food” and praising its quality with phrases like, “loved that chicken last time.” Over the course of the investigation, undercover officers made 17 drug purchases totaling $1,575.
The case, handled by the Queens South Major Narcotics Unit, highlights ongoing efforts to combat drug distribution networks in New York City.
