Retired NYPD Narcotics Detective Among Over Two Dozen People Arrested In Heroin Ring Bust
MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A retired NYPD narcotics detective was one of the 26 people busted as part of a Bushwick-based heroin ring.
Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas says retired Detective Karan Young helped her boyfriend operate his heroin ring that netted about $170,000 every week by peddling the deadly drug to hundreds of addicts.
"This is unique, in that a former law enforcement person is now involved," Singas said at a Friday press conference. "Frankly, it's shocking to those of us in law enforcement."
Young's boyfriend, Leigh Jackson -- also known as Big Chris -- allegedly had a heroin distribution ring set up in barber and auto body shops in Nassau County, Queens, and Brooklyn. His heroin was stamped "Taster's Choice," and authorities say he was responsible for several overdoses -- at least one of which in Nassau County was fatal.
"These traffickers were on pace to pump more than one million doses into our streets in one year," Singas said.
As CBS2's Jennifer McLogan reported, the alleged dealers used the back seat of an unassuming sedan that had a sophisticated, secret hydraulic trap stashed with huge quantities of heroin, cash and weapons.
"Really reinforced with steel and an electric motor," Nassau County Police Detective Lt. Christopher Ferro said.
When Jackson was pulled over on the day of his arrest, he flashed Young's courtesy shield from a wallet reading "detectives husband," alongside a PBA card saying "please show consideration to the member of a service husband," McLogan reported.
Twelve of the 14 indicted individuals have been arraigned, one is in custody awaiting arraignment and one has yet to be arrested. An additional 12 defendants were arrested as part of the investigation for a total of 26 defendants, according to the Singas' office.
Investigators said they cracked the ring by tracking a Hempstead Bloods gang member who dealt heroin allegedly supplied by Jackson.
"And we will continue to identify, arrest and prosecute dealers who are selling this poison and killing our children," Singas said.
At the time of her arrest, Young worked as a customer service representative for Delta Airlines at LaGuardia Airport. The airline says her status is being reviewed.
She pleaded not guilty and was released on $50,000 bond. Her partner, Jackson, is being held without bail.