Nassau DA: 40 people busted in drug trafficking ring; 2 sold out of illegal day cares

Authorities say two of the alleged dealers dealt drugs right out of illegally run day care centers in Queens and Hempstead. The DA says they found drugs in the Hempstead house on Pierson Avenue right next to where five to 10 children usually spent their time.

"In what appears to be a fully functional day care center with children's furniture, toys ... this defendant was mixing drugs," says Singas. "Think about that, children were eating and playing in the same space where cocaine was being packaged."

The DA says nine of the defendants are charged with being major drug traffickers in what's known as the "kingpin statute." That's when someone allegedly sells $75,000 worth of drugs in a six-month period. Singas says the defendants sold a half-million dollars' worth of drugs in that time.

Authorities say they recovered 38 guns and nearly $3 million worth of drugs, including cocaine and prescription pills.

The Nassau DA's Office worked with the FBI, New York State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms on the investigation.

Authorities say they're still looking for even more people involved in the drug ring. They say one fatal overdose in Pennsylvania is connected to the drug trafficking operation on Long Island.

If convicted, the nine charged as major traffickers face 25 years-to-life in prison.

More from News 12

1:30