An investigation in Newark led to the arrest of three city men allegedly caught dealing drugs out of a store, authorities said.
Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura said police conducted surveillance outside the 99¢ Zone store located at 303 Clinton Avenue where they observed three men - later identified as 48-year-old James Harris, 51-year-old Fabian Daniels and 46-year-old Clifton Darby - rotating shifts outside the business.
According to police, sometime around 1 p.m., a woman approached Harris and shortly after Darby came from inside the store with a small package which he exchanged for cash.
As the transaction was completed, officers moved in, Harris was observed running into a back room where he allegedly got rid of narcotics by flushing it down a toilet.
Officers seized 27 Zip-Lock bags of marijuana, along with various drug packaging and processing materials.
Harris, Daniels, and Darby, were all arrested and charged with various drug possession and distribution charges, as well as conspiracy and maintaining fortified premises.
The three men were arraigned Thursday at the Essex County Superior Court and remain in custody at the county jail.