New York City, NY – Federal authorities announced a major bust in East Harlem on Wednesday, targeting a 12-member drug crew accused of terrorizing the James Weldon Johnson Houses for three years. The group allegedly operated an open-air drug market, distributing deadly narcotics including fentanyl and the even more potent nitazene, while creating an environment of fear for residents.
The arrests mark part of a broader crackdown by the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office on crime in city housing projects, demonstrating the federal government’s intent to remove violent and dangerous drug dealers from local streets.
Federal Authorities Move Against NYCHA Drug Market
According to federal officials, eight suspects were arrested as part of the operation, while three remain at large and one is already in prison. All defendants face federal drug conspiracy and firearms charges, which carry longer potential sentences than typical city or state prosecutions.
Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, said in a press conference, “The conduct of this 12-man crew created an environment of fear for many of the Johnson House residents. If our federal charges are proven, this crew should be off the streets for a long time.” Clayton’s comments underscored the federal system’s role in imposing stricter consequences for serious, long-running criminal operations.
Extensive Undercover Investigation
The arrests followed an extensive undercover sting by the NYPD, which documented roughly 45 drug transactions on video, including crack, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and nitazene. Court filings allege that the crew’s operations were brazen, with the NYCHA lobby serving as a base while drug deals spread throughout the complex—even into a children’s playground.
One suspect, Caesar Hernandez, 34, is accused of twice selling drugs later identified as nitazene, a synthetic opioid up to 43 times stronger than fentanyl. Investigators warn that nitazene poses an extreme risk to public health, as even small quantities can be fatal.
Gang Ties, Firearms, and Long Criminal Histories
Several members of the crew have extensive criminal records. Jaffari Hopwah, 19, reportedly has been arrested every year of his life. Court documents also allege his involvement in two shootings at the Jefferson Houses in 2023, exchanges that were part of ongoing turf disputes between rival housing projects.
The filings describe a “senseless back-and-forth” between rival crews, including filming rap videos to taunt opposing gangs, then walking through each other’s complexes to engage in gunfire in broad daylight within heavily populated areas. Authorities say this pattern of violence further endangered residents and children in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Suspects Using Street Names to Evade Detection
The indictment lists street aliases for some of the accused, including “Skii Dotty” and “Baby Wuu”, highlighting the gang’s attempts to mask identities while maintaining control over the drug market. The defendants’ actions demonstrate both the organized nature of the operation and the risks posed to the broader community.
Federal Charges Aim for Long-Term Impact
Federal prosecutors emphasized that pursuing the case federally will likely keep the suspects off the streets longer than local prosecutions would allow. Authorities hope that the arrests will disrupt the dangerous narcotics supply chain in East Harlem and prevent further drug-related violence.
Officials urge residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to law enforcement to assist in dismantling violent street-level operations in city housing projects.
Do you think federal interventions are effective in curbing gang violence in NYCHA housing? How can communities help prevent the sale of deadly drugs like fentanyl and nitazene near residential areas? Share your thoughts and concerns in the comments below.
