In a sweeping crackdown on drug-related activities in Queens, a 17-month joint investigation by the Queens District Attorney's Office and the NYPD's Queens North Narcotics Bureau culminated in the indictment of nine individuals connected to a drug operation in Jackson Heights. The team conducted 40 undercover purchases of substances, including cocaine, crack, and particularly lethal fentanyl—a synthetic opioid substantially more potent than heroin, according to a statement by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.
One notable instance of the undercover operation involved a child being used to facilitate a drug transaction, where the juvenile, appearing to be around 8 years old, was instructed to collect money on behalf of one of the adults implicated in the ring. This detail emerged in the statement from DA Katz. The enforcement actions were a result of efforts to dismantle what Katz described as an alleged drug-dealing ring that was making life intolerable for the people of Jackson Heights, as detailed by the Queens District Attorney's Office.
The investigation, which began in August 2023, revealed that transactions repeatedly occurred openly on the streets, notably on 95th Street between 35th and 37th Avenues. Over the course of their operation, authorities purchased drugs with a combined street value of more than $12,000. The crackdown has led to the apprehension of seven defendants, who now face a 142-count indictment for criminal sale and possession of controlled substances. District Attorney Katz praised the coordinated efforts of her Major Economic Crimes Bureau and the NYPD, citing the importance of this case in tackling the narcotics crisis affecting the community.
Two of the defendants, Rodolfo Lopez and Angelo Fernandez, were apprehended on April 1, with others following suit within that week. According to the Queens District Attorney's announcement, the accused individuals were scheduled for appearances in Queens Supreme Court on staggered dates in May. However, two individuals related to the case remain at large. Queens Supreme Court Justice Karen Gopee ordered the defendants who were in custody to return to court on May 7 and May 5, respectively, to proceed with the legal process.
The Queens DA's communication identified Assistant District Attorney Jessica Coalter of the District Attorney’s Major Economic Crimes Bureau as the lead prosecutor on the case. The investigation itself was spearheaded by Detective John Michael Schramm.
