Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

News

Caught on Tape: Cops Retain Cocaine


By

Dave Hogarty

Published Dec 20, 2007

Modified Mar 7, 2008


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .


By

Dave Hogarty

Published Dec 20, 2007

Modified Mar 7, 2008


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

thewire.jpgDetective Sean Johnstone of the Brooklyn South Narcotics Unit was arrested yesterday along with police officer Julio Alvarez in connection to 11 missing bags of cocaine that Johnstone seized in a drug bust. The detective was caught talking about the drugs when he forgot that he was wearing a wire for an undercover operation and he recorded himself talking about them to Alvarez.

The officers were caught after Johnstone unknowingly left a wire that he was wearing turned on. The two officers were heard talking to a third unnamed officer about a drug bust and how they confiscated 28 bags of cocaine, but only turned in 17 of them.

Johnstone was also recording repeatedly using the N-word in reference to black people. Both Alvarez and Johnstone were arraigned in Brooklyn Criminal Court yesterday on charges of official misconduct and filing false documents. No drug charges have been filed yet, as the NYPD's internal affairs unit investigates if the cocaine actually went missing. The cops have been suspended without pay.

Tagged

brooklyn

Brooklyn Criminal court

cocaine

crime

criminal court

nypd

wire


Dave Hogarty

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE news

Manhattan neurologist charged with sexually abusing 2 patients, DA says

Prosecutors say Dr. Tariq Lamki abused two patients during appointments at a medical practice near Stuyvesant Town.

By

Giulia Heyward

Published Oct 13, 2026 at 5:43 p.m. ET


Years of bus headaches start Thursday as Port Authority advances Midtown terminal work

The Port Authority is replacing its ramshackle Midtown Bus Terminal. Riders will face years of headaches as the work is finished.

By

Ramsey Khalifeh

and

Carol Chen

News

Years of bus headaches start Thursday as Port Authority advances Midtown terminal work

The Port Authority is replacing its ramshackle Midtown Bus Terminal. Riders will face years of headaches as the work is finished.

By

Ramsey Khalifeh

and

Carol Chen


ICE admits to using Roxbury, NJ warehouse site to process immigrants

By

Mike Hayes

Dolan's offer: Donations to Blakeman for Knicks tickets

By

Walter Wuthmann

NYC officials call for Target boycott, say ICE staged at Marble Hill lot before shooting

By

Ryan Kost

and

Brittany Kriegstein


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .