New York Times Magazine

This magazine was published June 5, 1977, and features an article on the infamous Harlem drug dealer Leroy Barnes – better known as Nicky Barnes.

Barnes’ organization took over the local drug trade from long-entrenched Italian crime organizations. His syndicate made enormous profits by cutting and packaging low-quality heroin. Barnes eventually controlled the manufacture and sale of heroin throughout New York State and extended his business into Canada and Pennsylvania.

Barnes modeled his growing empire after other successful organized crime families by building administrative layers between himself and his crimes. He also rented numerous apartments across the city so his operations could move when needed.  This made it very difficult for law enforcement to apprehend him. Even though he was arrested numerous times, few charges ever stuck, which earned him the nickname “Mr. Untouchable.” He even bragged in this article about sending the police tailing him on wild goose chases around the city.

After years of undercover work DEA along with the U.S. Attorney in New York infiltrated the Barnes syndicate and assembled a case that led to his conviction. On January 19, 1978, Barnes was sentenced to life in prison.

Click here to view this artifact’s episode of “Stories from the Collection,” a monthly video series on the DEA.