In the 1970s the area was settled by Puerto Rican immigrants, Today, a casual passer-by would notice nothing untoward. Small groups of African Americans and Hispanic people of all ages, hang out on the stoop or outside the bodega, drinking, talking, watching the evening go by. Look closer. You can pick up on the subcutaneous activity of the street. A fortyish black man walks around in circles.. Occasionally he bends to examine a white pebble or a piece of paper. The homeboys call it 'Ghost busting', the tendency to see pieces of crack everywhere after yours is gone.

Along the street, Puerto Rican youths whisper offers of "Poison" and "Cash". two of the brand names of the local heroin. If you've got the right look you can connect.

New York drug dealers seem to go in for sophisticated marketing technique. No old makeshift foil or cling wrap here, even the smallest amounts come in a manufactured plastic vials with different colored tops. Some people think the different brands are an attempt to build brand loyalty. But sell the wrong color and you could end up with a bullet in the head.