January 30, 2014 - 5:28 AM
ALBANY, N.Y. - Officials say 18 people are being rounded up in New York City on allegations they sold "party packs" of cocaine and sex to high-end clients and texted clients to advertise ahead of this week's Super Bowl festivities.
The officials say the arrests follow an 11-month investigation by state and city authorities. The law enforcement officials with knowledge of the operation spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to disclose it before court filings Thursday.
They say surveillance shows the ring laundered money and credit cards through clothing, wig, beauty supply and limousine businesses and targeted wealthy out-of-town customers, especially during large events.
Prostitutes would bring cocaine to clients who ordered the so-called party packs.
The text sent 10 days before the Super Bowl says "new sexy & beautiful girls R in town waiting for u."
News from © The Associated Press, 2014