THE BRONX — More than 20 people were charged in a Bronx gang bust, officials announced Wednesday.
Twelve members of the “Low Rider Brims” and “Young Shooters” were busted Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning and charged with selling drugs and guns in and around the Diego Beekman Houses in the South Bronx, according to U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara’s office.
In total there were 14 gang members in custody as of Wednesday afternoon and police were searching for seven others, bringing the total number charged to 21.
The men who were arrested were arraigned Wednesday in Manhattan Federal Court.
Crew members, who were led by Demetrius “Mojo” Flowers and Damon “Pappy” Guadalupe, were charged with conspiracy to distribute narcotics and use of firearms in narcotics trafficking. They face up to life in prison on the top charge.
“We will continue to focus on those in our communities who are allegedly responsible for so much of the gang and gun violence,” Bharara said in a statement. “All New Yorkers are entitled to live in neighborhoods free from constant drug-dealing and senseless violence. That is why we bring actions like the one we bring today.”
Investigators who made the arrests also said they seized crack, marijuana and ammunition after searching several gang member homes.
The gangs were also connected to shootings in the houses, officials said.
Late last month more than 120 suspected gang members were arrested in what was considered the largest gang-related bust in city history, according to federal officials.
