77 Firearms Seized in Queens, Disrupting 'Iron Pipeline' Gun Trafficking Ring

Law enforcement officials in Queens have announced the dismantling of a significant gun trafficking operation, resulting in the seizure of 77 firearms and the indictment of two individuals. The six-month investigation, a collaborative effort by the Queens District Attorney’s Office, the NYPD, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI New York), targeted a network funneling illegal weapons into New York City. The operation culminated in arrests following numerous undercover buys, effectively disrupting a major supply line.

The probe, initiated in March 2025, focused on what authorities term the "Iron Pipeline," a route used to transport firearms purchased in southern states with more lenient gun laws to New York. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz emphasized the danger, stating, "It is the definition of the iron pipeline. It is those who buy guns in the states in the south that are legal to buy, and they bring them up the East Coast." Undercover officers reportedly conducted eight controlled buys, primarily in a McDonald's parking lot in Rosedale.

Two suspects, 39-year-old Teddy Gaston, also known as "JD Yikes," of Queens, and 41-year-old Jezerel Huston of Macon, Georgia, face a 194-count indictment. Charges include criminal possession and sale of firearms, criminal sale of controlled substances, and conspiracy. If convicted on the weapons charges, both men could face up to 25 years in prison, with court appearances scheduled for October 6.

Among the 77 seized weapons were ghost guns, semi-automatic assault rifles, revolvers, and various high-capacity magazines, with prices ranging from $600 to $3,000. Forensic testing revealed that several of these firearms had been used in prior shootings in Maryland and Georgia, highlighting the interstate impact of the trafficking. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenney noted, "Shootings and shots fired incidents that involved multiple victims" were linked to the recovered weapons.

Officials lauded the takedown as a critical step in combating gun violence and drug trafficking in the city. New York City Mayor Eric Adams stated, "These defendants thought they could sell dozens of firearms, fentanyl, and cocaine in our city, but they were wrong." The operation also led to the seizure of nearly 100 fentanyl pills and 100 grams of cocaine, underscoring the intertwined nature of illegal gun and drug markets.