By: Richard L. Smith
Thirty individuals are facing federal charges for their alleged involvement in a major drug trafficking organization accused of distributing large quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine near a Newark housing complex, according to a statement released by the U.S. Department of Justice.
The coordinated arrests and charges stem from a long-term wiretap investigation that focused on narcotics activity in and around the Kretchmer Homes, a public housing complex located on the 900 block of Frelinghuysen Avenue in Newark.
Federal prosecutors say the group, referred to as the “Frelinghuysen DTO,” ran an open-air drug market that endangered the surrounding community.
The enforcement operation was the result of a collaborative effort involving the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives(ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, with assistance from the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.
Seventeen suspects were taken into custody Tuesday and are expected to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen in Newark federal court.
Authorities confirmed that seven additional defendants were already being held on state charges, one was previously in federal custody, and four remain at large.
Federal court documents allege the defendants are members of a drug operation deeply embedded in the neighborhood and linked to the Bloods street gang.
Prosecutors say the group controlled the flow of narcotics, including at least 400 grams of fentanyl and 280 grams of crack cocaine, within the vicinity of the housing complex.
Investigators employed a range of techniques throughout the probe, including wiretaps, undercover drug buys, surveillance, and analysis of phone records.
The investigation also led to the seizure of firearms, which officials say were used by the defendants to guard their drug supply and profits.
The wide-ranging charges include conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, firearms offenses, and other narcotics-related crimes.
Authorities say this sweeping takedown marks a significant blow to drug-related violence and trafficking in the South Ward of Newark.
Editor’s Note: An image previously associated with this article depicted an individual named Lamar Shell, who is also in the Essex County system. That image has been removed and replaced with the correct suspect to ensure accuracy.