22 arrested in massive East Harlem bust; Drugs, cash, guns, jewelry recovered

EAST HARLEM, Manhattan (WABC) -- Hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of drugs, guns and jewelry were seized in a huge bust in East Harlem Wednesday.

Nearly two dozen people were rounded up in the early-morning raid.

"When we execute search warrants, we are dealing with people who sleep with guns under their pillows," NYPD Deputy Chief Lori Pollock said. "They have very violent histories. Attempted murder, shootings and homicides."

Police say the suspects, 22 men and women, are part of a very structured, large-scale organization that sold heroin and PCP.

The suspects allegedly did their business in the area around 116th Street and Madison Avenue, as well as on the Lower East Side and in parts of the Bronx.

Authorities say their products had very specific brand names.

"Thrill, Crush, OMG, Oh My God and Pepsi," Pollock said.

Police say 14 illegal guns, kilos of heroin, more than $200,000 in cash and high-end jewelry, some dripping with diamonds, were found in the suspects' homes.

Most of the deals reportedly went down in their cars.

"They were selling to other dealers, in and around the Bronx and Manhattan," the NYPD's Liam McLoughlin said. "And then break it down for lower level dealers, as well."

Police say it seemed everyone knew their role, with several bosses, lieutenants and lower-level runners.