United States Drug Enforcement Administration

NEW YORK CITY – More than one hundred pounds of cocaine were recovered from a seventh-floor apartment in a two-building 17 story residential complex containing a gym, lap pool and roof deck, in Queens on Monday afternoon.  Investigators and agents arrested two individuals, and recovered one loaded handgun, and more than $200,000, in addition to seizing the 50 kilograms of cocaine, as part of an ongoing drug investigation by members of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, New York City Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor’s, and New York State Police.      

The arrests and charges are being announced by Bridget G. Brennan, New York City’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor; Ray Donovan, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA New York Division; Acting Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen; and Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.   

On March 29, 2021, Agents and Investigators from DEA Group D-43, SNP, and NYSP Troop H conducted surveillance in the vicinity of 89th Ave. and 150th St. Jamaica, Queens as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.   At approximately 3:15 p.m., they observed Christopher Jones enter an apartment building located at 152-11 89th Ave, Jamaica, Queens empty handed and leave a short time later carrying a weighted suitcase. Jones was observed putting the heavy suitcase in a blue Dodge Caravan and driving away.   

Shortly afterward, agents and investigators approached Jones in his vehicle and recovered approximately $200,000 from the suitcase.  The money was packaged in a manner consistent with narcotics trafficking.  

Officers continued to monitor 152-11 89th Ave, Jamaica, Queens and observed Wykim Williams near apartment #706.  A search warrant for apartment #706 was obtained and executed.  Fifty intact kilogram packages with the distinct marking “CR7”, containing cocaine were seized from a locked closet in the apartment. CR7 is the nickname for popular Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo. Also recovered from the closet and elsewhere in the apartment were $10,000, a Thunder Pro Compact 45ACP Firearm, and materials commonly used in large scale narcotics distribution, including a kilogram press, vacuum bags, vacuum sealer, shrink wrap and money counting machines.

A criminal complaint filed by the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor charges Jones and Williams with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First and Second Degrees, Criminal Possession of a weapon in the Second and Third Degree and Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA’s New York Division, Group D-43, NYSP Troop H SIU/MLU and investigators of the NYC Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, an agency staffed and overseen by the five elected New York City District Attorneys. Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan thanked her office’s Special Investigation Bureau and Investigators, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, DEA New York Division, NYSP Troop H, Rockland County DA, Suffolk County DA, NYPD’s Manhattan North Gang Squad, and Yonkers PD.

Defendants Jones and Williams were arraigned in Criminal Court on March 30, 2021 and cash bail (with bond alternatives) was set at $150,000 for Jones and $250,000 for Williams.

“It is shocking to find, in an apartment closet in a large residential development across the street from a public park, a stash of cocaine worth $2 million dollars, a handgun and equipment to support large scale narcotics trafficking.” said Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan. “I thank the attorneys, investigators and agents who uncovered this for their diligence.”

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said, “These defendants allegedly brought a massive amount of cocaine into our community while illegally armed. Working together, law enforcement will always go after those who would degrade our borough by trying to set up dangerous, illegal enterprises here. I want to thank all those involved in this investigation for their hard work and efforts that continue to keep our neighborhoods safe.”

“Stimulants like cocaine are the vehicle traffickers are using to attract customers,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan.  “Cocaine seizures by DEA New York have increased over 200% in the first three months of 2021 in comparison to the first quarter of 2020.  Through our investigations and recent CDC statistics, we know that local organizations are mixing cocaine with fentanyl which have added to the alarming overdose rates nationwide.  I applaud our agents and law enforcement partners for their enforcement efforts which ultimately save lives.”

State Police Acting Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen said, “I commend our members with the Special Investigations Unit and DEA Group D-43, along with our federal and local partners, for their hard work in uncovering this operation and preventing more illegal drugs from reaching our streets. Through close collaboration, we have dismantled a dangerous cocaine operation in a populated and busy residential complex. These individuals had no regard for the dangers they, or this operation brought to this community and beyond. We, along with our partners, are dedicated to continue the work that will bring these individuals to justice."

Defendants                                                              Charges

The charges and allegations are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.