Fun World Childcare was front for drug ring, prosecutors say

NEW YORK - Authorities say a drug ring used a private Bronx day care center as a cover for a major narcotics trafficking scheme.

Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget Brennan announced Thursday that five people have been arrested following an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Agents seized more than 50 pounds of cocaine and $1.4 million in cash.

CBS New York reported authorities said that FunWorld Childcare served as many as 15 children.

Authorities said wiretaps revealed the daycare-based drug ring used couriers to deliver suitcases full of cash to Puerto Rico. The cash paid for cocaine and other drugs that were mailed to New York hidden in children's merchandise.

Late last year, agents say they discovered more than two pounds of cocaine hidden in SpongeBob SquarePants bedding.

A search of the facility Wednesday night turned up some cocaine packed in a child's lunch bag, CBS New York reported.

In a raid on a residence that also housed the day care, agents found another two pounds of cocaine, 1,000 oxycodone pills, and cash.