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24 Arrested On Drug Trafficking Charges On Staten Island

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Two dozen reputed Staten Island drug gang members were arrested Thursday, accused in 29 shootings and three killings since 2008, authorities said.

Staten Island District Attorney Dan Donovan used the word "bloodthirsty" to describe the suspects, who allegedly dealt cocaine and heroin, WCBS 880's Marla Diamond reported. They were nabbed by police after a yearlong investigation that relied on undercover officers and surveillance.

24 Arrested In Staten Island Drug Takedown

The probe was dubbed "Operation Jersey Boys" because the two gangs operated in and around the Jersey Street corridor in the New Brighton neighborhood, Donovan said.

"But this is no Broadway musical," the DA told reporters. "These are hardened criminals singing the blues now that they've been charged with serious felonies."

WEB EXTRA: District Attorney's Presentation On Arrests

Donovan told Diamond he believes the crews are responsible for some heroin overdoses on Staten Island.

One of the fatal victims was 17-year-old Najea Smith, who was killed in May 2008 by a bullet intended for her brother, Jatiek Smith, the ringleader of one gang, authorities told Diamond.

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