Posted on: January 25, 2025 10:00 AM

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4 charged in major NYC ketamine drug trafficking bust dubbed operation frostbite

Heaps of ketamine, MDMA and illegal weed were seized by authorities as they busted a drug lab in Queens and arrested the ringleader of the dangerous narcotics operation, prosecutors said Friday.

 

Xing Li, 40, who allegedly led the major trafficking scheme, was arrested along with three other accused drug peddlers Thursday following a 16-month investigation dubbed “Operation Frostbite,” the Queens District Attorney’s Office said.

The group, allegedly led by Li, of Flushing, sold and stored the dissociative anesthetic ketamine, MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, and cannabis in various locations across Queens and Manhattan, according to prosecutors.

“Those who choose to peddle poison in Queens are on notice: my office will meticulously dismantle drug rings and take drugs off the streets,” DA Melinda Katz said in a statement.

Katz praised the NYPD and investigators in her office’s Major Economic Crime Bureau for their role in the bust.

“I thank members of my Major Economic Crimes Bureau and the NYPD for their work in bringing these individuals to justice. I also extend my deepest gratitude to the undercover officers who risked their safety to gather critical evidence in this case,” DA Katz said.

If convicted, Li faces a maximum prison term of 15 years to life.

The other three accused face three to 10 years in prison, if convicted.

The accused drug peddlers are due back in Queens Supreme Criminal Court on February 7.