Prosecutor: NY day care drug scheme busted

NEW YORK (AP) — Authorities say a drug ring used a private Bronx day care center as a cover for a narcotics trafficking scheme.

Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget Brennan announced Thursday that five people have been arrested following an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Agents seized more than 50 pounds of cocaine and $1.4 million.

Authorities said wiretaps revealed that the ring used couriers to deliver suitcases full of cash to Puerto Rico. The cash paid for cocaine and other drugs that were mailed to New York hidden in children's merchandise.

Late last year, agents discovered more than two pounds of cocaine hidden in SpongeBob SquarePants bedding.

In a raid on a residence that also housed the day care, agents found another two pounds of cocaine, 1,000 oxycodone pills and cash.