Mayor de Blasio promised a "massive NYPD presence" at J'Ouvert this year, but police aren't waiting for Monday morning's festivities to start before making big moves. A Friday morning raid in Crown Heights by the NYPD resulted in the arrest of 35 alleged gang members as well as the seizure of guns and drugs, according to the Post.
The 35 people arrested in 9 different areas in Crown Heights in the Friday morning raids were allegedly members of the Crips-connected Franklin Avenue Family Crew. In addition to the arrests, police seized 10 handguns, three pounds of a pot, a kilogram of coke and an undetermined amount of heroin. 14 of the 35 people who were arrested have been indicted, and all of the arrestees potentially face charges of weapons possession and conspiracy to distribute narcotics.
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams released a statement:
“On behalf of all concerned Brooklynites, particularly the residents of Crown Heights and Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, I want to express deep appreciation for the hard work of the NYPD’s Narcotics Unit in apprehending dozens of alleged violent gang members, an operation that additionally resulted in the seizure of a number of loaded weapons. This is a particularly impactful takedown to all those preparing for this weekend’s Carnival festivities, events that bring millions of revelers to our borough. Nothing can be more fundamental than ensuring the safety and security of our neighbors, and the continued collaborative efforts between community and police are making important strides toward advancing a safe and peaceful celebration of cultural pride that is uniquely Brooklyn.”
