An open-air drug market in the center of Fordham Roads' popular shopping district has been shut down.
A total of 17 people were indicted, including an NYC Parks supervisor for operating a drug enterprise along Fordham Road.
The Bronx District Attorney's Office says the individuals, allegedly known as the "West-Fordham Boyz," ran a 24/7 drug operation along the corner of University Avenue and West Fordham Road and made drug sales near Devoe Park.
"This investigation began as we were addressing concerns by the community about open air drug markets," said Wanda Perez-Maldonado, chief of the Investigations Department at the Bronx District Attorney's Office.
The six-month investigation was launched by community complaints. Undercover officer's bought drugs from the alleged dealers, including a New York City Parks supervisor that allegedly supplied at least 1,000 grams of cocaine to fuel their operation.
"We had an instance of someone who was stabbed as a result of this," said Perez-Maldonado.
The District Attorney's office says a 19-year-old employee who worked at the Plaza Pharmacy on Webster Avenue stole more than 1,000 oxycodone pills and sold them on the street for more than $30 a pill.
In a second bust, 11 people were charged in a separate indictment for numerous open drug dealing complaints outside and inside a bodega on Southern Boulevard.
The sellers took over the storefront between East 172nd street and Jennings Street and used it as their base for their drug operations.
"'We understand it affects communities, families, businesses are negatively impacted as well by these open-air drug markets, we want to make sure of course as well the individuals who have substance use disorders are getting the support they need as well," said Perez-Maldonado.
The defendants are facing first-degree criminal sale of controlled substance, attempted murder in the second degree, attempted assault in the first-degree, among other charges.
"Many of our community members live in multiple dwellings building,