🛑 30 DEFENDANTS CHARGED IN MAJOR NEWARK DRUG AND FIREARMS BUST

In a sweeping federal operation, 30 individuals have been charged for their roles in a violent drug trafficking network centered around the Kretchmer Homes housing complex along Frelinghuysen Avenue in Newark, authorities announced Wednesday.

According to U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, the defendants operated an open-air drug market that trafficked large quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine, protected by firearms, and driven by gang-affiliated violence in a neighborhood already vulnerable to crime and addiction.

“Let today’s arrests serve as a clear warning — if you bring violence into our state, we will find you, we will dismantle your networks, and we will bring you to justice,” said Habba.

🚨 Federal Charges and Law Enforcement Operation

The charges stem from a long-running wiretap investigation led by the DEA, ATF, FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office. The case includes allegations of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 280 grams or more of cocaine base, alongside various firearm and narcotics offenses.

Key arrest breakdown:

17 individuals were arrested Wednesday and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen in Newark federal court.
7 defendants were already in state custody, 1 in federal custody, and 4 remain at large.

🔫 Gang Ties and Firearms Seizures

According to court documents, many of the charged individuals are linked to the Bloods gang, and investigators seized multiple firearms used to protect drug proceeds and distribution points. Over 7,000 grams of heroin and fentanyl were confiscated — enough to potentially kill 500,000 people, said officials.

“This wasn’t just a bust — it was a life-saving operation,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz.

🔍 How the Network Operated

The group, referred to as the Frelinghuysen DTO, is accused of terrorizing the community through a narcotics business rooted in the 900 block of Frelinghuysen Avenue, primarily in and around the Kretchmer Homes. Law enforcement utilized wiretaps, undercover purchases, surveillance, and confidential informants to build the case.

“We allege these men wreaked havoc in Newark, selling illicit drugs and defending their lucrative turf with violence,” said FBI SAC Stefanie Roddy.
“This case is about removing criminals from a community they have been terrorizing.”

⚖️ Multi-Agency Collaboration

The bust is part of Newark’s Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), a coalition of federal, state, and local agencies launched in 2017 to combat gang violence and drug trafficking in Newark. The investigation also falls under the DOJ’s national Operation Take Back America initiative, which targets cartels and transnational criminal organizations.

Agencies involved include:

DEA, ATF, FBI (Newark Divisions)
Newark Police Department
Essex County Sheriff’s Office
Union County Prosecutor’s Office
U.S. Marshals Service
NJ State Police & Parole
East Orange and Irvington Police Departments

⚠️ Legal Note

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Thypin-Bermeo and Senior Trial Counsel Robert Frazer of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit.

Official Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/thirty-defendants-charged-narcotics-and-firearms-offenses-connection-newark-drug