Investigation Targets Open Sale of Mushrooms & Cocaine in Washington Square Park

psychedelic mushrooms for sale in Washington Square Park seized by the NYPD

 Nine Charged in Sales to Undercover Officers

Nine individuals were arrested following an investigation into the sale of psychedelic psilocybin mushrooms and cocaine in the vicinity of Washington Square Park. The undercover investigation, conducted by the New York City Police Departments (NYPD) Narcotics Borough Manhattan South, began in July of 2023 in response to community complaints about open drug activity inside the busy public park, located in Manhattans Greenwich Village. 

Bridget G. Brennan, New York Citys Special Narcotics Prosecutor, and New York City Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban announced the indictments and arrests, which occurred over the past six weeks.

Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan said, The aim of this investigation, which was initiated in response to community complaints about rampant drug dealing in Washington Square Park, is to ensure that this public recreational space can be enjoyed in the way its intended to be, and those who live in the surrounding area can feel comfortable in their neighborhood.

NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban said, Enhancing the quality of life in every New York City neighborhood is integral to the NYPDs public safety mission, a fact understood by the regular visitors of Washington Square Park who refused to allow this beautiful open space to become an open-air drug market. These arrests represent the reclaiming of a historic area that has long provided New Yorkers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. I commend our NYPD investigators, and everyone involved at the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, for their dedication to this important case.

Seven individuals are charged in separate indictments filed by the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor and were arraigned in Manhattan Supreme Court. The remaining two individuals are charged in criminal complaints. Arrests began on January 11, 2024, with the most recent arrest occurring on Saturday, February 17, 2024, followed by an arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court yesterday.

The investigation revealed that the majority of the defendants were associated with a loosely affiliated street crew operating in afternoon and evening shifts to sell psilocybin mushrooms, cocaine and crack cocaine. In total, the defendants made more than a dozen sales to undercover officers.

Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan thanked Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. and commended SNPs Trial Division and the NYPDs Narcotics Borough Manhattan South for their work on the investigation.

The charges and allegations are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.