Drugs stamped with unique brand helped bust alleged traffickers on Long Island

LONG ISLAND (WABC) -- A brother and sister have been arrested on Long Island and are accused of operating a drug trafficking organization that sold fentanyl and other narcotics, according to authorities. Three other people also face charges in the case.

Officials said the operation was based in Jamaica, Queens, and allegedly distributed drugs to buyers throughout Nassau County in what investigators described as a large-scale, around-the-clock business.

"This is how you say, 'My product's better than the guy down the street,'" Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said.

Authorities allege the suspects mixed fentanyl and other drugs themselves before packaging them with a distinctive brand name. Donnelly said the group's branding and claims about the strength of its products ultimately helped investigators identify the operation.

"He said, and I quote, 'I got the whole of Long Island,'" Donnelly said.

According to investigators, the drugs were sold to users in Massapequa, Merrick, Valley Stream, Roosevelt and Glen Cove.

Police said they seized guns, cocaine, crack cocaine and fentanyl during the investigation. Some of the fentanyl was allegedly mixed with xylazine, commonly known as "Tranq."

Detectives said they found bags labeled "Bruce Banner" and bearing an image of the Hulk at two separate overdose scenes. Investigators said they traced the logo to the phone of 42-year-old Jemmal Bryan, who is accused of leading the operation and promoting the drugs to customers.

"He asked clients, if they, I'm going to quote again, 'wanted to die tonight,'" Donnelly said.

Authorities also accused Leo Duchnowski of Glen Cove of participating in the operation. Police said Duchnowski, who had initially been released on charges, resumed drug activity afterward.

"He sells to an individual that overdoses in his house and dies. He drags that body out into the yard and calls 911," Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said.

Duchnowski is now being held in custody, according to police. Investigators also allege that he rented a vehicle in the name of his brother, who died from an overdose, and that Bryan sold drugs from that vehicle.

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