New York, NY – Federal authorities have charged 19 individuals in connection with a sprawling drug trafficking operation that turned Washington Square Park into an open-air narcotics market over the past five years. The coordinated crackdown, announced Thursday, is tied to at least 65 overdoses and two deaths since 2020 in one of Manhattan’s most iconic public spaces.
The Incident: Drug Market Thrived in the Heart of Greenwich Village
The indictment, unsealed in Manhattan federal court, details how a network of nearly 20 dealers operated openly in Washington Square Park, selling fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine at all hours.
According to U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, the group, known as WSP Enterprise, created a round-the-clock marketplace that flooded the park with deadly narcotics. Despite being arrested more than 80 times over five years, many dealers repeatedly returned to sell drugs after release under New York’s lenient bail laws.
“New York families want us to use all available resources to get deadly fentanyl off our streets,” said Clayton. “If you’re a drug trafficker operating in Washington Square or anywhere near our schools, we’re going to bring you to justice.”
Prosecutors said the group’s distribution of fentanyl-laced narcotics led to two fatal overdoses last year — including an 18-year-old from Colorado who had just arrived in New York for a summer internship and a 43-year-old homeless man who often slept in the park.
Investigation and Evidence: Federal Case Builds Over Six Months
The takedown was the result of a joint investigation by the DEA, NYPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, launched about six months ago after repeated community complaints.
Police sources told The Post that officers had made over 70 arrests in the park but saw little impact as offenders kept being released. That frustration prompted federal agents to step in, assembling a broader conspiracy case that resulted in Thursday’s arrests.
The network included members of the Mac Ballers, a subset of the Bloods gang, as well as dealers working under longtime park figure John Livigni, a 50-year-old with more than 50 arrests since 1994.
“It was unbelievably frustrating for the cops and the community,” one police source said. “Now it’s a brand new day, and we have to keep the park free of drug dealers.”
Prosecutors said the ring distributed millions of doses of opioids, often marked by color-coded bags — purple bags for the Bloods-affiliated dealers and blue bags for Livigni’s crew.
Court Proceedings and Charges Filed
All 19 defendants were charged with conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death, a federal crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Fourteen suspects were arrested during overnight raids Wednesday into Thursday, while the rest were already in custody. Among them was Maliek “Scarface” Lugg, a Bloods member jailed since March on separate trafficking charges.
Court documents revealed that Lugg’s purple-bagged drugs, containing fentanyl analogues, were tied to the Colorado teen’s fatal overdose. The victim had texted a friend the night before his death:
“Perfect, I trust you,” he wrote, moments before using the drugs that killed him.
The second overdose victim, a 43-year-old homeless man, was found months later near Greenwich Village surrounded by purple and blue drug baggies, linking both gangs to his death.
Statements and Reactions from Officials
Authorities hailed the bust as a major victory in reclaiming Washington Square Park, which had become a symbol of New York City’s opioid crisis.
“These drug traffickers allegedly flooded Washington Square Park with dangerous narcotics that claimed two lives and harmed countless more,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. “They turned this iconic park into an open-air drug market, jeopardizing the safety of families and students.”
Arthur Schwartz, a Democratic District Leader in Greenwich Village, also praised the arrests:
“People pass out on the sidewalk on Sixth Avenue with needles all around them. There are constant complaints about drug dealing in the park. Finally, someone is taking it seriously.”
The Washington Square Park Conservancy, a nonprofit working with the NYC Parks Department, applauded the joint effort.
“The thousands of visitors who use the park each day deserve a vibrant greenspace that is safe,” a spokesperson said.
Background Context: A Park Long Plagued by Drug Activity
Washington Square Park has had a reputation for drug activity dating back over 50 years, but residents say the situation worsened dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hypodermic needles, public drug use, and overdosing addicts became common sights, tarnishing the park’s image as a cultural landmark.
Earlier this year, Mayor Eric Adams announced a joint community coalition with the NYPD to target drug use and homelessness in the area. However, critics accused local officials — particularly Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg — of not doing enough to address the issue.
Residents mocked Bragg after he hosted a “healing art” painting event in July, surrounded by drug users, calling the move “tone-deaf” and “a farce.”
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
Federal prosecutors have pledged to ensure the indicted dealers face maximum penalties under federal law. Livigni and several others were remanded into custody following Thursday’s arraignment, while others await detention hearings.
Authorities also vowed to keep pressure on the park, with NYPD and federal agents continuing surveillance to prevent a resurgence of illegal drug trade.
“These arrests are great because finally these scumbags are going to go away for a while,” one police officer said. “The cops are thrilled.”
Conclusion
The federal sweep marks a turning point in Washington Square Park’s long struggle with drug activity. As prosecutors prepare their cases, residents hope this marks the beginning of a new era of safety and accountability in one of New York’s most historic public spaces.
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