Four residents of Middle Village and Jamaica were among 25 individuals arrested last week for their alleged roles in a large-scale heroin sale and distribution ring based in Brooklyn, prosecutors announced.
Police uncovered the ring through an investigation that began in January. Detectives identified Williamsburg resident Josie Tavera, 25, as the leader, and he allegedly employed several relatives in selling and distributing heroin across the five boroughs.
According to authorities, Middle Village’s Christian Rodriguez, 24, helped supply Tavera with heroin, while Tavera’s siblings — Jose and Sheila Taveras, 26 and 29 respectively, of Jamaica — supplied and/or packaged the narcotics for sale.
Another Middle Village resident, Jose Sosa, 25, was also identified as a heroin supplier.
All of the suspects were variously charged in a 368-count indictment with conspiracy, sale and possession of a controlled substance and money laundering. Each suspect faces up to 25 years behind bars if convicted.
“There’s a growing heroin epidemic in New York and other parts of the country that’s taking the lives of many of our young people hooked on this deadly and highly addictive drug,” Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson said in a statement. “We must deal with this quiet drug plague by going after those who peddle this poison in our communities.”
