By: Richard L. Smith
Twenty-six people have been charged for their alleged roles in a large-scale drug trafficking organization tied to a neighborhood street gang operating in and around Newark, federal authorities announced.
According to Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello, the organization distributed significant quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine, primarily in the Riverside Villa Public Housing Complex and surrounding areas of the city.
Two additional defendants were charged separately with firearms offenses connected to a shooting in a rival gang’s territory.
Prosecutors allege the defendants were members or associates of a neighborhood-based enterprise operating near Riverside Villa, Fourth Avenue, and North 12th Street, and the Garden Spires Apartments.
The organization is affiliated with the Bloods criminal street gang.
Investigators say law enforcement conducted extensive surveillance, carried out multiple controlled drug purchases, seized narcotics, and analyzed telephone records, all of which revealed coordinated drug trafficking activity among the defendants.
Two defendants, Quasir Miranda, also known as “Space,” and Zakiyy Houser, also known as “GBK,” are charged with unlawful possession of ammunition in a school zone in connection with a February 18, 2025, attempted shooting of a rival gang member.
Tahjuan Ferrell, a/k/a “Jers,” Raymon Rodriguez, a/k/a “Ray Ray,” Ricky Colon, Jr., Sayyied Anderson, a/k/a “Sal,” Carnell Wright, a/k/a “Jay,” Briant Haynes, a/k/a “B,” Rashon Wheeler, a/k/a “Petey,” Demetrius Julu, Nero Whitehead, a/k/a “Woo,” Dawud Cross, a/k/a “Mu,” Joseph Johnson, a/k/a “Pearl,” Yusef Mack, a/k/a “Gutter,” Alsharick King, a/k/a “Ghost,” Montrel Jordan, a/k/a “Trillz,” Patrick Jordan, a/k/a “Swerve,” Raheam Springer, Ibn Rogers, Blake Howard, Daniel Valentin, Mekhi Lawrence, a/k/a “MK,” Craig Walker, a/k/a “Lean,” Kevin Wiley, a/k/a “LB,” Quince Melvin, Nakki Melvin, Ricardo Gonzalez, a/k/a “Ricky” and Quadir Simmons a/k/a “Scoom” all of Essex County, New Jersey, were charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.
Several defendants have already appeared in federal court in Newark, while others previously made initial appearances in federal courts in Newark and Tampa, Florida.
Those charged in the drug conspiracy face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life imprisonment, and fines of up to $10 million.
The firearms charges carry a potential sentence of up to five years in prison.