Prominent Staten Island chef is arrested in drug-bust as the kingpin

He's a well known philanthropist who owned Shavu Caterers and Edgewater Hall on Staten Island. But police say a Tory Mozzie was serving up more than fine cuisine here. He's allegedly the mastermind of a drug operation running out of his restaurant. Overnight Wednesday, police raided Mazzy's home and businesses here on Bay Street. Sources tell PIX 11 News Mazzy's operation is linked to at least three overdose deaths. Sam Farood runs a pharmacy right across the street. He says he had no idea what was going on at the restaurant. I've heard like just bits and spots. I don't really know exactly what happened, but yeah, it was pretty shocking. Police also arrested twenty other people who they say were working for Mozzie, a trusted community leader honored for helping drug addicts get clean. But police say that was just a front for his operation. Mazzy was allegedly supplying addicts with drugs and in some cases having them pay off their drug debt by working it off. In a statement, Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon said Mazie prayed on vulnerable people who suffered from addiction illness. And oppressed them into servitude in his catering business for housing and ultimately for drug dealing. According to the indictment, police say Mazzi was getting people hooked on cocaine, crack and fentanyl. Addiction is something law enforcement is grappling with, trying to find dealers who are pumping drugs into the community. In a statement, Police Commissioner Edward Caban said these allegations are particularly galling. Putting personal and financial gain above people's lives is the polar opposite of what New Yorkers expect and deserve from their leaders. It's a big issue over here. The opioid crisis, you know, that's something that, you know, it's not fair with a lot of people. They have that issue. It's a disease that, you know, hopefully they'll be able to kick it and get the neighborhood cleaned up and whatnot. Mozzie faces several serious charges, including 15 counts of drug possession. That's the latest here on Staten Island. Nicole Johnson picks 11 news.