Authorities say the suspects operated an illegal drug market for years.
The Brief
Federal prosecutors say a 12-member drug crew turned an East Harlem NYCHA building into an open-air narcotics market, complete with stash apartments and firearms.
Agents recovered multiple guns, including long guns, along with fentanyl, crack cocaine, and drug-packaging materials during coordinated raids.
Three alleged members remain at large as prosecutors outline years of drug sales carried out in lobbies, courtyards, and even a children’s playground.
NEW YORK — A dozen people have been charged in what federal officials describe as an “East Harlem narcotics crew” that allegedly ran an open-air drug market inside a NYCHA building, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
What we know:
Prosecutors allege the group maintained a “continual revolving door of drugs and firearms” in and around the James Weldon Johnson Houses, severely impacting the safety and quality of life for residents.
Officials say that from at least 2022 through December 2025, members of the group used the building and its adjoining courtyard as a base for selling crack cocaine, fentanyl, and other drugs.
According to authorities, dealers occupied the lobby at all hours, often carrying cross-body bags or fanny packs filled with narcotics. Drug supplies were sometimes hidden inside a building mailbox.
‘East Harlem narcotics crew’
What they’re saying:
Federal officials said 12 alleged members of the East Harlem-based trafficking organization conspired to distribute narcotics and possessed firearms in furtherance of the operation.
Brian Gonzalez, 33, also known as “Bmakk”; Brian Nin, 33, also known as “BDot”; Ira Boyce, 20, also known as “Zaza”; Jose Hernandez, 31; Jahdeen Williams, 34; Percy Carrion, 26; Caesar Hernandez, 34; and Quadir Davonish, 23, also known as “Skii Dotty,” were arrested Wednesday.
Three suspects still at large
Bryan Cowan, 31, also known as “Chapo,” was already in custody. Three other alleged members — Jaffari Hopwah, 19, also known as “Baby Wuu”; Daniel Jones, 31, also known as “D Cash”; and Richard Farquharson, 35, also known as “Smooth” — remain at large.
Alleged operation inside Johnson Houses
Prosecutors said the defendants “degraded the quality of life for Johnson Houses residents and the surrounding community by selling drugs in common areas including lobbies, courtyards, and a children’s playground.”
“For years, these 12 defendants allegedly utilized the Johnson Houses to facilitate their open-air drug market and generate an illicit revenue stream,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia.
Investigators say the group used specific apartments to package and store narcotics and hid drugs, syringes, and firearms inside utility boxes in stairwells.
Firearms stashed inside apartments
Officials said several members carried firearms throughout the building, and in some cases, a member brandished or fired a weapon in or near the Johnson Houses.
Despite multiple state arrests in recent years for narcotics and firearms possession, prosecutors said the drug operation continued without interruption.
During coordinated arrests and searches on Wednesday, law enforcement seized:
Five firearms, including two long guns, along with capsules, bags, suspected narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and mixing materials from a building stash apartment.
One firearm, a magazine, and two boxes of ammunition from Brian Nin’s apartment.
A large bag of suspected cocaine, a gun-cleaning kit, and a .40-caliber shell casing from Caesar Hernandez’s apartment.
Charged with conspiracy and firearms offenses
All defendants face charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and quantities of heroin and cocaine. The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.
They are also charged with possessing firearms in furtherance of narcotics trafficking, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years to be served consecutively and a maximum penalty of life in prison.
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