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Alleged drug ring busted using kids' toys to mail drugs

Authorities have busted a drug ring that allegedly was using children's toys to bring cocaine into the borough. Nine suspects were arrested in the five-month investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency.

News 12 Staff

Sep 23, 2008, 11:02 PM

Updated 6,153 days ago

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Authorities have busted a drug ring that allegedly was using children's toys to bring cocaine into the borough.
Nine suspects were arrested in the five-month investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency. In the sting, DEA agents uncovered four handguns, eight pounds of cocaine and more than $86,000 in cash.
The ring was based out of a home on 1314 Clay Ave., where alleged ring leader Jose David Diaz-Ortega resided.
The ring allegedly shipped cocaine from Puerto Rico to the Bronx by sending the toys through U.S. postal express mail.
Diaz-Ortega faces charges including criminal possession and sale of controlled substances, money laundering and criminal possession of a weapon.
Mark Marasi, 37, Cessa Eddy 22, Jackeline Viera, 28, Jesus Diaz, 36, Juan Carambot, 40, Julio Perez, 32, and 20-year-old Jose Weeks face charges as well.All nine suspects were arraigned Monday in the Bronx. They are due back in court Oct. 6.