*Build-A-BUST* 30 Million Dollars Worth Of Heroin Seized By Feds Concealed In Build-A-Bear Toys In Bronx

They don't stock this option at your local Build-A-Bear store.
Authorities announced Saturday a massive heroin bust in the Bronx, where dealers were moving millions of dollars in dope inside Build-A-Bear dolls.

The drugs were packaged in tiny glassine bags branded with names like Barack Obama, Swine Flu and Crime 360, a nod to a detective series on A&E.

"The agents walk in and there's heroin and all the dime bags and the Build-A-Bears just sitting there," said Erin Mulvey,spokesman for the Drug Enforcement Administration.

State, local and federal law enforcement officers seized 33 pounds of heroin with astreet value of about $33 million and arrested 12 people on Friday. The suspects were waiting to be arraigned late Saturday.

"It's a huge shock," said Mario Amesqui, 54, who lives in the same building as one of the Riverdale apartments raided on Friday.

"My daughter has one of those toys. I'm very surprised something like that was going on right here and I'm especially surprised it was aBuild-A-Bear."

Authorities said the heroin suppliers sliced open the backs of the bears and filled the cuddly toys with smack. They used the stuffed animals to transport the drugs without detection.

The three-month investigation led to the execution of five search warrants in the Bronx. The drug crew sold at least 44 pounds of dope before the busts. All the heroin was made in America, authorities said.

"We've seen a big increase in heroin use throughout the tristate area in recent months, especially in the suburbs," Mulvey said.

Agents say the dealers moved thousands of square-inch dime bags inside the Build-A-Bears every week from their safe house on Carpenter Ave. in theBronx. Agents also seized $150,000 in cash, drug paraphernalia, weapons and incriminating documents at the homes they raided.

Neighbors at the safe house had no idea drugs were moving in and out of the apartment until the cops showed up on Friday, witnesses said.

"Allthese cops came, jumped out of their vans and ran in. Nobody knew whatwas going on," said Jorge Barrios, 28, who lives in the building.

Thering leader was identified as Yeffery Alba of 735 Pelham Parkway. Albaand 11 other suspects - ages 26 to 39 - were charged with criminalpossession and conspiracy.

The create-your-own-teddy bears are staples of malls across the country. At Build-A-Bear Workshops, kidscan make fully customized dolls with their choice of stuffing,stitching, features, clothes and even sounds.

A Build-A-Bear headquarters spokesman could not be reached.

By Samuel Goldsmith
Daily News Staff Writer