17 charged in cocaine bust

sYrAcuse ( AP)>> Federal prosecutors say 17 people have been charged in a bust involving two overlapping drug rings in central New York.

U. S. Attorney Richard Hartunian says the groups based in Utica sold cocaine and crack from the summer of 2011 until the end of last June.

He say Wednesday that raids last year netted $ 27 million, drugs and vehicles used by the conspirators, including a local car dealer accused of allowing drug dealers to use his property and laundering money for them.

The investigation included wiretaps and led to the arrests in December of 12 other people identified as the rings’ suppliers. Hartunian says raids during that part of the probe led to the seizure of $ 37 million, drugs and other vehicles.

TIM ROSKE/ AP PHOTO Members of the newest class of New York state Troopers listen to remarks delivered at the New York State Police Basic School graduation ceremony.