East Orange Police dismantled a major drug network operated by allied factions of the Crips street gang.
According to authorities, the 23-month investigation by East Orange Police resulted in 23 arrests and the seizure of nearly $300,000.00 in drugs.
The impressive takedown was part of an operation dubbed “Operation Code Blue.” According to a department statement, the successful takedown was the result of a series of undercover drug buys that allowed police to locate several drug strongholds in the area of North Munn Avenue and Prospect Street, Main Street, and Hamilton Street.
Of the 23 people arrested, 11 were described as high-ranking members of the Five Deuce, Rollin 60s, and North Side Killa Gang sets of the Crips.
In total, police seized 2,240 decks of heroin, 1.3 kilograms of loose heroin, 51 grams of “Black Tar” heroin, 34 bags of cocaine, 795 grams of marijuana, and an undetermined amount of crystal meth. Police also seized $6,000.00 in drug money, three (3) vehicles, and a .45 caliber handgun.
The suspects were charged with various drug distribution offenses, including distribution of heroin, distribution of cocaine, and distribution of marijuana.
The criminal charge for heroin distribution in New Jersey is set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5. According to the statute, it is a first degree felony to distribute more than five (5) ounces of heroin. If convicted of first degree intent to distribute heroin, each of the arrested suspects could be sentenced to up to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison and fined as much as $500,000.00.
For more information, see the NJ.com article entitled “East Orange Police Dismantle Gang Network, Seize $300K in Drugs.”
