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2 Suspected Drug Traffickers Indicted Following Months-Long Investigation

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Authorities have announced the arrests of two men and the seizure of tens of thousands of dollars worth of marijuana and in cash at a notorious Harlem drug-dealing spot.

Alleged drug traffickers Mark Hansen, 34, and Manuel Bey, 25, have been indicted in connection with selling illegal guns, ammunition and large quantities of marijuana to an undercover officer.

The men are accused of running a high-volume pot trafficking operation out of a basement apartment on East 124th Street, directly across from a playground in Marcus Garvey Park, prosecutors announced.

2 Suspected Drug Traffickers Indicted Following Months-Long Investigation

More than $35,000 in marijuana, four guns and $21,000 in cash were seized, along with two pit bulls and a large python. The drugs and cash were found at the dealing site in Harlem and at the men's apartments in the Bronx.

Marijuana, cash seized following 8-month investigation into alleged drug traffickers
Some of the pot and cash seized from the apartment of one of the suspected drug traffickers. (credit: Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor)

New York City's Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget Brennan and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly announced the arrests and indictments Friday.

The undercover cop made 10 purchases of marijuana over the course of the investigation, totaling more than six pounds.

The suspects allegedly made sales through a slot in the door of the apartment. Residents of the building were forced to maneuver around a line of customers to reach their apartments, authorities said.

Marijuana seized following 8-month investigation into alleged drug traffickers
Some of the pot seized from the apartment of one of the suspected drug traffickers. (credit: Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor)

As WCBS 880's Irene Cornell reported, the dogs and the eight-foot long snake were kept to guard the business. The animals are in the custody of the ASPCA.

The arrests came following an eight-month long investigation.

Both men have been charged with criminal sale of a firearm and several counts of criminal sale of marijuana.

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