In a significant blow to organized crime, eight individuals have been indicted for their alleged involvement in a drug trafficking operation linked to the "793 Bloods" street gang, a subset of the notorious Bloods national gang.
The charges, announced Wednesday by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey, detail a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine throughout Newark and surrounding areas.
The defendants, all Newark residents, are accused of conspiring to operate an open-air drug market near the intersection of South Orange and Isabella Avenues. According to the indictment, this operation was a major source of illegal narcotics in the city, fueling addiction and violence.
Read: Lakeland Man Pleads Guilty To Distributing Fentanyl In Plant City
"This indictment is a testament to our unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks that plague our communities," stated U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger. "We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to bring those who peddle poison to justice."
The eight individuals charged are facing a range of federal offenses, including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, they could face significant prison sentences and fines.
This investigation, led by the FBI's Newark Field Office in conjunction with the Newark Police Department and other law enforcement agencies, involved extensive surveillance, undercover operations, and confidential informants. The evidence gathered paints a disturbing picture of a sophisticated criminal enterprise that preyed on vulnerable individuals and contributed to the ongoing opioid epidemic.
Read: Jacksonville Man Who Used Car Wash As Front For Meth, Fentanyl Distribution Gets 8 Years
The arrests and charges send a clear message that law enforcement will not tolerate the proliferation of drugs and violence in our neighborhoods. The collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local authorities are crucial in dismantling these criminal organizations and holding their members accountable for their actions.
The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The U.S. Attorney's Office urges anyone with information related to this case or other criminal activities to come forward and assist law enforcement in their ongoing efforts to make our communities safer.
__Help support the Tampa Free Press by making any small donation by clicking here.__
Android Users, Click To Download The Tampa Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter.Sign up for our free newsletter.
