BROOKLYN — A group of Brooklyn men used proceeds from drug sales to fund their lavish lifestyles that included designer jewelry, luxury cars and even a Versace baby stroller, according to Brooklyn federal prosecutors.
Operating between Chicago and Los Angeles, the group trafficked hundreds of kilos of heroin into New York City, even using a Bushwick-based street gang called the Young Gunnerz to protect their illegal business, according to an indictment unsealed Wednesday.
The U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District charged Victor Agosto, 29, Perfecto Deleon, 42, Luis Lopez, 35, Andres Reyes, 34, Nestor Rivera, 39, and Peter Vasquez, 30, with moving the heroin into the city before meeting with Mexican cartel members in relation to the narcotics operation.
Agosto, Lopez and Vasquez are also being charged with the use of firearms in relation to the drug trafficking, according to court officials.
The men were seen on social media partying on yachts and posting pictures of Rolls Royces, Lamborghinis and Audemar Piguet watches, which law enforcement said were purchased from drug profits.
Gold jewelry was seized by federal law enforcement officers after they busted an interstate drug and gun crew.
Twelve kilograms of heroin valued at $900,000 were seized by law enforcement officials at a house where some members of the group lived. In addition, five luxury vehicles were taken.
“These defendants not only moved large amounts of heroin across the country — they carried firearms to protect their turf and extravagant life,” NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill said.
The arrests were part of a joint effort by the FBI and the NYPD, both of which were conducting a long-term investigation into the six men.
More than $800,000 was seized by law enforcement officials from the group in vehicles connected to two of the defendants between December 2011 and February 2015.
Information on their attorneys was not available at this time.
