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23 Suspected Drug Traffickers Arrested In Douglass Houses Bust

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Authorities say they've busted 23 drug traffickers who plied their trade at the Douglass Houses on the Upper West Side.

The Douglass Houses span 100-104th Streets between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues.

Authorities say they launched their investigation after members of the community registerd numerous complaints about "widespread drug dealing and violence, including shootings and robberies" in the area. Authorities say drugs were sold all throughout the Douglass Houses, where more than 4,500 people live in 17 buildings.

22 people were arrested Wednesday morning. Another man, identified by authorities as Steven Smith, was picked up on May 17. Authorities said that when they arrested Smith, they found a loaded .45 caliber pistol in between the bedframe and mattress his 5-month-old baby had been lying on. In addition to drug charges, Smith faces charges related to endangering children.

Authorities said that each of the 23 suspects sold crack or cocaine to undercover detectives up to eight times.

Is enough being done to keep drugs out of city housing? Sound off in our comments section below. 

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