Authorities have arrested six individuals in what is being described as the largest gun and drug trafficking operation ever conducted in Nassau County, according to the district attorney’s office.
Over a span of 14 months, a collaborative effort among various government agencies led to the seizure of 47 illegal handguns, along with over a kilogram of cocaine and heroin that were being distributed across Long Island and Queens.
The investigation saw involvement from the ATF, DEA, New York City Police Department, Suffolk County Police Department, and the U.S. Secret Service.
“Thanks to this exceptional collaboration, these firearms and drugs will not reach the hands of criminals who aim to disrupt our communities,” stated Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly.
“We have consistently warned for the past five years that gun traffickers in Nassau County will be held accountable, and that stance remains steadfast.”
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman commented, describing the operation as a “demolition of historic proportions,” crediting its success to a blend of technology and traditional policing methods.
The six men involved—Robert Petgrave (30), Andrew Petgrave (36), Jamari Jamal Pralier (34), Lime Smith (23), Clayton Solomon (48), and Shahide Foulkes (25)—are alleged to have acquired firearms from states like Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia, trafficking them to areas such as Valley Stream, Hempstead, and Queens.
According to the district attorney’s office, undercover operatives conducted eight gun purchases and 13 drug transactions as part of the investigation into this network.
Robert and Andrew Petgrave were key figures, reportedly sourcing illegal firearms from Smith and elsewhere, then selling them to undercover agents.
Foulkes and Solomon were allegedly involved in some of the illegal gun sales.
Petgrave and Andrew were also accused of selling heroin and cocaine in 13 encounters with undercover agents.
The operation launched in April 2025.
All six individuals were taken into custody by the Nassau County Police Gang Investigation Unit on Thursday and faced an arraignment on Friday.
All men pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Robert Petgrave, Andrew Petgrave, and Pralier were each given a staggering bail of $500,000 in cash or a $1 million bond and instructed to surrender their passports.
Solomon’s bail was set at $250,000.
Smith was denied bail and remanded to custody, while Foulkes is barred from receiving pretrial electronic monitoring services.
Robert Petgrave, Smith, and Solomon may each face up to 25 years in prison for first-degree weapons sales.
Andrew Petgrave and Pralier could see up to 20 years for serious drug-related charges, while Foulkes faces up to four years for conspiracy.
All defendants are set to return to court on July 21st.
