Authorities shut down NYC drug rings

NEW YORK, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- Drug trafficking rings operating out of two housing projects in New York's Bronx borough were targeted by a law enforcement operation, authorities said.

Authorities said 53 people were indicted after nearly 450 police officers, marshals and federal agents served search warrants at the Melrose Houses and the Andrew Jackson Houses this week, The New York Times said Thursday.

Preet Bharara, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, said Wednesday's joint operation helped eliminate two major heroin and crack cocaine trafficking rings from the neighborhood.

"This is a case of significant importance," Bharara said, "in cleaning up a community where there are two housing projects where 5,000 people live, and where drugs became the norm in open-air markets."

New York City Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly estimated the two gangs operating the rings were likely earning nearly $3 million annually through drug trafficking operations.

The Times said among the criminal charges detailed in six federal indictments were conspiracy and narcotics-related counts.