Authorities on Long Island say they've broken up a large heroin ring and arrested 36 people on drug charges.
Nassau County prosecutors are calling it the largest narcotics takedown in Long Island history. They say the heroin ring, dubbed the 110 Crew, operated along Route 110 in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
In addition to substantial quantities of heroin and cocaine, authorities said Tuesday they also recovered eight guns, including pistols, two shotguns and an AK-47 assault rifle, and more than a dozen automobiles.
During the nine-month investigation, authorities say the drug crew brought in about $40,000 to $50,000 a week selling individual bags of heroin. The drugs were sold outside hotels, restaurants, gas stations, strip malls and coffee shops.
"One of the alleged resellers is seven months pregnant, while another serves as a volunteer firefighter," Nassau District Attorney Madeline Singas said. "One of the defendants serves as a drug counselor."
Six of those arrested were charged with operating as a major drug trafficker.
Singas said the takedown shows how routine heroin has become on Long Island.
Local
George Gambuto, of West Islip, says he worries about his kids.
"When they go out, you don't know what's going on out there," Gambuto said. "It's like taking over everybody."
