More than 30 people are under arrest for their alleged role in a drug ring at several NYCHA complexes in East Harlem.
The sting was part of a joint effort between the NYPD and FBI.
Authorities say the busts occurred early Tuesday morning at the Washington Houses, East River Houses and Metro North Plaza.
Prosecutors say the suspects are part of two violent rival gangs that dealt drugs and carried guns.
They were arraigned before a federal judge in Lower Manhattan.
Residents and the police say the area will be a little safer now.
"There's a bunch of gang violence going out here in the community so just to get them off the streets is something to see," said one resident.
"Everybody's sick and tired of the violence," said another. "It's — come on. We have too many children."
"With narcotics comes violence and taking these 32 people out this morning's gonna go a long way to reducing the violence in this neighborhood," said James O'Neill, chief of department for the NYPD.
Police say the investigation intensified after NYPD Detective Randolph Holder was shot and killed last October near one of the housing complexes.
The defendants are being charged with conspiracy to distribute narcotics and possession of firearms.