More than 20 suspects, including many
alleged gang members, have been arrested, according to the Suffolk County
district attorney.
A 16-month investigation turned up hundreds of grams each of fentanyl,
heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine, along with 12 illegal firearms.
Several of the suspects are
accused members of a gang known as the 9-Trey Bloods.
The
indictment covered 63 separate crimes dating back to 2021, including the sale
of fentanyl that led to the fatal overdose of a 25-year-old woman in November
at the Rodeway Inn on Veterans Highway. That victim, Yasmin DeLeon, was the
mother to a 4-year-old son.
The
victim's mother-in-law, Daree Mimms, says it's a relief knowing that someone is
being held accountable for DeLeon's death.
“If you deal dangerous and
illegal drugs in Suffolk County and illegally use firearms in your drug dealing
and gang activities, be advised that we are coming for you and we are going to
hold you responsible,” says Suffolk District Attorney Ray Tierney.
Tierney says 350 young people in Suffolk County have died from
fentanyl in the last year alone.
Some of the 21 suspects are in custody, while others
posted bail.