NYPD arrests members of black gang called the Gang of Apes

Police have announced the arrests of 140 individuals in a massive drug sweep throughout New York City. The largest takedown took place in Far Rockaway, Queens, where 56 people were busted including 18 violent members of the Gang of Apes, which has ties to the Bloods. The NYPD and Queens prosecutors began the 14 month investigation that resulted in the seizure of $35,000, 12 handguns, six kilos of cocaine, heroin and marijuana, a kilo press, and a bullet proof vest, authorities said. “Many of those arrested are gang members who plagued the Far Rockaway neighborhood,” said Police Commissioner Ray Kelly at Police Headquarters. The gangbusters – which began terrorizing the area since investigators broke up the Flocc gang in 2010 - raked in more than $10,000 per week from peddling drugs. Some of the perpetrators were slapped with attempted murder, robbery, weapons and drugs possession and face up to 25 years in jail, officials said. “As a result of the Queens investigation we’ve broken the back of the Gang of Apes,” said Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown. Meanwhile cops also rounded up gangbangers in other parts of the city. A drug delivery ring in Harlem was smashed after 31 suspects were arrested. In the Bronx, 23 Blood members were nabbed for selling narcotics and another 30 drug dealers were also busted on Staten Island.