“OPERATION ROYAL FLUSH”

            In March 2007, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force, the Jersey City Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration culminated a six month investigation into the illegal drug distribution network being run by a hip-hop record studio. The investigation had been dubbed “Operation Royal Flush.”
            The dealers operated from the headquarters of Block Royal Records, which claims on its Web site to “improve the talent of upcoming artists from the streets of Jersey City.” The label recorded hip-hop artists and wannabe stars, while selling Block Royal paraphernalia such as T-shirts and caps. But for all intents and purposes, it was a front for their drug distribution business.
            About 24 people were arrested during the investigation by police armed with surveillance and wiretap evidence. Five alleged ringleaders face federal drug distribution.
            Detectives seized more than 700 grams of powdered cocaine and crack worth more than $70,000 on the street, as well as $30,000, four handguns, hollow-point ammunition, a bulletproof vest and four vehicles.
            The NJNEOA congratulates the members of the Hudson County Prosecutors Office, Jersey City Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration on their diligent efforts in the field of narcotic enforcement.