Eight arrested in Bronx for selling drugs, guns from van, NYPD says

THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) — Eight men have been indicted on charges related to the sale of drugs and firearms out of a Sprinter van equipped with a power window.

However, even the prospect of being caught selling outside Yankee Stadium did not deter the players in this criminal enterprise.

According to NYPD Deputy Inspector Miguel Iglesias, an undercover Bronx narcotics officer purchased cocaine and eight guns during 29 visits between March and May.

The arrested suspects hid nearly half a million dollars and were seized in a raid that led to a 100-count criminal indictment.

According to prosecutors, a gun purchase even took place outside a Yankees game on April 10 at 6:30 p.m.

“It was a problematic location – several complaints from the community,” Iglesias said.

Investigators took up the complaints and discovered the men were using the van to sell marijuana from a ticket window and concealing weapons, including an AK-47, in the wheels outside 90 East 161st Street.

The Bronx District Attorney worked with police to charge the crew.

“The Bronx has been underinvested, there have been under-resourced, so we have seen an increase in crime, in general, but gun violence in particular,” said Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark.

This year, New York police have confiscated nearly 3,400 guns from city streets. Authorities say they want to reduce such crimes for the benefit of fans and the community.

However, a PIX11 News crew witnessed four open-air drug deals in less than five minutes as fans lined up for Tuesday afternoon's game.

“It's worrisome, especially for people who pay good money to be here,” said season ticket holder George Georgopoulos.

The tenacious pop-up store on the sidewalk of East 161st Street defied the NYPD's May 17 raid.

“When we arrest five or six guys, other drug traffickers can take over and resell their merchandise,” Iglesias said.

The NYPD has vowed to closely monitor the scene, and the district attorney's office sent investigators to the scene after receiving reports of the alleged activity.