This Just In: Cocaine Sales Remain Strong Through The First Quarter Of 2006

Last we left cocaine, the New York Press was tagging along with a dealer on New Year’s Eve. New York Magazine reports that there are still dealers dealing cocaine, and people apparently are still buying it.

We’re here today at (insert name of restaurant), where we’ve switched these diners’ regular coffee with Folgers Crystals. Let’s see if they can taste the difference*:

“Thing is,” he says, “every six months I stay in it, I can throw another $25K onto my price. More people talk about me, more people call me, my number becomes more valuable. But then I get there, and I want more. That’s always been my problem. It’s a risk, but obviously there is appeal in that, you know? It’s not like I don’t want to get out. I do. It’s just . . .”

But Lenny doesn’t finish the thought. His phone rings, a customer from earlier looking to replenish his supply. A seven-block walk for an extra $60. Lenny shakes his head. “Fuck it,” he says. “Let’s get on that.” (New York Magazine, April 17, 2006)

Which is to say, does every feature on cocaine dealers require the ubiquitous ringing cell phone to close the piece? Seems so:

We left the [Williamsburg loft] party, which was still running, at about six. Mr. White’s eyes were red and narrow. He’d been working since noon — 19 hours of dealing with people and drugs. He wouldn’t tell me how much he’d made, but I knew he’d sold around 100 grams, maybe more, which meant he’d made that night what he’d usually gross in a good week. I figure it at seven or eight grand. All I know is he worked his ass off and at the end of the night he didn’t look too happy. As we got into his car, his phone rang again. (New York Press, January 4, 2006)

*Remember that?