New York Cops Bust '24-Hour Open-Air Drug Bazaar' Operating In Times Square

Authorities in New York City have shut down a brazen drug ring operating in Times Square in broad daylight since December 2019. The suspects made hundreds of hand-to-hand drug deals, including selling crack cocaine to undercover police officers on dozens of occasions. Officials said that during an 11-day period, the suspects made over 650 sales of crack cocaine.

"As alleged, the defendants operated a veritable 24-hour open-air bazaar for the sale of crack cocaine in Times Square. We recall the bad old days of a much seedier Times Square that was unwelcoming, and we are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those days remain just a memory, "Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said in a statement.

The crew operated in two shifts, with the first group of sellers arriving in the late morning. They would sell throughout the afternoon until the second shift showed up to sell drugs throughout the night.

"This crew gave new meaning to the slogan for New York City as the 'city that never sleeps,' by allegedly operating a 24-hour drug distribution ring," Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Peter Fitzhugh said in a statement. "Working in shifts nearly around the clock, they preyed on the addictions and vulnerabilities of others."

The suspects were identified as Johnny Perez, Aaron Starks, Sekou Simpson, Fred Johnson, Davon Mial, Donnell Burns, Frayvon Young, and Robert Mason. They were all charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 280 grams and more of mixtures and substances containing a detectable amount of crack cocaine. If convicted, they face a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Young and Mason have not been arrested, and authorities are actively trying to track them down.