Manhattan Coke Ring Case Postponed

By TATYANA BELLAMY-WALKER & MARLENE GOMEZ

A Manhattan Supreme Court judge postponed the case of two alleged cocaine-trafficking ringleaders on Thursday until he decides the legality of a search warrant conducted in the case.

Jose Luperon, 44, and Omar Luperon, 42, who was not present at the hearing, were charged in early January for “operating as major traffickers,” also known as the “Drug Kingpin” statute  in selling and distributing more than $75,000 of crack-cocaine in Inwood, Manhattan, according to a press release from Manhattan district attorney’s office.

Police and the DA pegged two brothers — Jose and Omar as leaders of an alleged 32-member cocaine ring that allegedly operated from Aug. 29, 2015  to Dec. 26, 2016 out of  “quiet” residential lobbies and gated basement entrances at Vermilyea Avenue between W.  204th and W. 207th streets.

The indictment charges that Juan Flores, 35, served as the organization’s “supervisors,”  Steve Rojas, 34, and Xavier Vargas, 29, acted as “managers” of the criminal organization and Melvin Tineo, who wore a rosary beaded-necklace to the courtroom was also accused of conspiracy and selling cocaine.

The drug bust was apart of a long-term investigation by the Manhattan DA’s Office’s Trial Division and the Police Department’s Narcotics Borough Manhattan North and included the use of undercover cops and court-authorized wiretaps, according to DA’s press release.

Luperon’s lawyer, Patrick J. Brackley declined to comment on Omar’s absence from court. The proceedings were ongoing. Judge Abraham Clott planned to continue the case in October.