Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose reports that through a joint operation conducted by the Newark Police Division’s Narcotics Unit and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force, Kevin L. McKenzie, 31, and Quadeer A. Nelson, 37, both of Newark, were arrested for distribution of synthetic marijuana yesterday.
According to Director Ambrose, at approximately 7:37 p.m., on Thursday, April 20, 2017, police responded to the area of New Jersey Railroad Avenue on a call of a sick person.
Upon officers arrival, they located about 12 people exhibiting similar symptoms.
Director Ambrose said no fatalities have been reported, however the number of individuals affected has risen to 40 in the last 72 hours.
"Those affected are primarily from the homeless population".
According to Director Ambrose, yesterday, between the hours of 1:30 p.m. and 2:15 p.m., police observed both McKenzie and Nelson in the area of Newark Pennsylvania Station with zip-lock bags of synthetic marijuana, also known as K-2.
Police found McKenzie in possession of seven small zip-lock bags and one “Black Giant” packet of synthetic marijuana Director Ambrose said.
Police placed him in custody and charged them with Possession of Synthetic Marijuana.
Director Ambrose said police found Nelson in possession of four small zip-lock bags, one “Extreme Packet” containing synthetic marijuana and five empty packages of synthetic marijuana.
Police arrested Nelson and charged him with Possession of Synthetic Marijuana and Distribution of Synthetic Marijuana.
The source of the K-2 related to several individuals becoming ill in the New Jersey Railroad Avenue incident remains under investigation.
Director Ambrose said Police cannot confirm that these suspects are responsible for the symptoms victims experienced in this incident.
Use of synthetic marijuana can cause hallucinations, vomiting, seizures and psychosis Director Ambrose said.
These are mere allegations lodged against Mr. Nelson and Mr. McKenzie. Both men are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Director Ambrose urges anyone with information about individuals possessing or selling K-2 to call the Department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or 1-877-NWK-GUNS (1-877-695-4867).
All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.