The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York unveiled a civil forfeiture action yesterday against a Bronx residence, asserting its use as a base for drug and firearm trafficking by gang members. The house in question, strategically sited just a hop away from an elementary school at 3267 Decatur Avenue, is said to have harbored criminal activity by the "Drilly Gang," according to a statement obtained by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
"As alleged, 3267 Decatur Avenue—a Bronx residence located steps away from an elementary school—was used by members of a gang as a stash house for drugs and firearms. This civil forfeiture action seeking to seize the residence demonstrates that we will use all the tools available to protect the streets of this city," said U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon. In collaboration with the ATF and the NYPD, Sassoon's office is determined to actively keep fighting against the grips of gun violence and drug trafficking gripping our community, as detailed by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
An intensive inquiry launched in April 2024 by ATF agents and NYPD officers has brought to light the activities encircling the targeted house. Besides allegedly storing illicit substances and guns, the residence also served as a filming location for rap videos that promoted the Drilly Gang. The videos blatantly featured drugs and weapons and were circulated to the public eye through social media channels.
The investigation culminated in a raid on November 4, 2024, during which a search warrant led to the discovery of various drugs cleverly packaged to resemble candy, a pistol magazine, and approximately $1,700 in cash. Bryan Miller, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division for the ATF, weighed in, stating to the U.S. Attorney's Office, "Illicit drug trafficking destroys lives and fuels violence. Taking over a home, for the purpose of selling illegal drugs next to a school, while boasting about it on social media, demonstrates a blatant disregard for the safety of our communities." Miller commended the combined efforts of law enforcement in continuing to ensure the safety and security of our neighborhoods.
The case is currently in the hands of the Office's Violent and Organized Crime Unit and Illicit Finance and Money Laundering Unit. Specifically, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew K. Chan and Frank J. Balsamello are helming the prosecution. The ultimate praise was given by U.S. Attorney Sassoon to the exceptional investigative work executed by the ATF and the NYPD in uncovering and acting upon the illicit activities at the residence.
