Authorities in New York, Italy Thwart International Drug Smuggling Ring

Capping off a two-year-investigation.

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Complex Original

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Not Available Lead

Officials say the FBI and Italian police collaborated to stop an international drug ring responsible for flooding the New York metropolitan area with cocaine in heroin.

According to the New York Post, seven suspects were arrested in New York, while another 17 were apprehended in Italy for allegedly organizing the smuggling ring. However, ABC New York reports that eight were arrested in New York, while at least 20 were taken into custody in Italy. 

After moving the drugs through Italy, smugglers would reportedly place them on vessels destined for the U.S. Furthermore, a portion of the drugs were placed in food and traveled through the U.S. via markets.

Authorities say they were affiliated with the Gambino crime family, adding that the bust was the product of a two-year investigation. 

[via New York Post and ABC New York]

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