The US government issued an indictment against a drug trafficking ring centered in New York City’s Washington Square Park. The traffickers allegedly sold narcotics in the area resulting in two deaths.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the New York Police Department cooperated in the arrests, which were traced to an 18-year-old Coloradan who was part of an organization called the Washington Square Park (WSP) Enterprise.
“These drug traffickers allegedly flooded Washington Square Park with dangerous narcotics that claimed two lives and harmed countless more people,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch told The New York Post.
“Since at least 2020, an organized criminal group has engaged in prolific narcotics trafficking in Washington Square Park and the surrounding area, operating what is essentially a round-the-clock, open-air drug market in the heart of Manhattan’s Greenwich Village,” US Attorney Jay Clayton said.
The presence of drug paraphernalia such as syringes have been noticed throughout the park, which is adjacent to New York University. Drug users have been recorded taking drugs and passing out on benches, corresponding to the activity of the WSP Enterprise.
According to AMNY, DEA Special Agent Frank Tarentino expressed determination to continue bringing to justice drug traffickers.
“Behind every number is a grieving family, a community left with questions, and a call for action. The justice served in these cases brings a measure of closure, but it must also fuel our collective determination to confront the fentanyl crisis with urgency and compassion. … We will find you, we will arrest you, and we will hold you accountable. This is our fight, a fight to save lives,” Tarentino said.
