First, there was Google Maps. Then there was Google Earth. Now we have Google Detective.

Drug-busting police squads have been using the Internet giant’s high-tech surveillance software to spy on New York’s dangerous drug rings, sources said. They have been gathering information on where dealers are selling their smack and potential obstacles before launching raids, officials said.

The Google advantage was on full display this week when narcotics prosecutors released a Google image of suspected drug dealers arrested Wednesday in an undercover sting.