Since June, police in East Orange NJ have arrested 45 people on drug charges as part of the Operation Borderland investigation.
According to authorities, the arrests were made in connection with a major investigation into drug-trafficking operations in East Orange, New Jersey.
The investigation started in March, with the East Orange Police Department’s Violent Crimes Task Force looking into drug distribution networks throughout the city.
Investigators believe that the drug operations were being led by a number of gang members, including members of the Bloods street gang. Of the 45 total arrests, 42 people reportedly belong to the Brick City Brim, Salem Street Gangsters, and PIRU factions of the Bloods gang.
All of the suspects have been charged with serious drug crimes, ranging from marijuana possession and cocaine possession to distribution of heroin and distribution of cocaine.
Additionally, some of the suspects have also been charged with various weapons offenses, including unlawful possession of a firearm.
When making the arrests, East Orange and Newark police officers seized a large amount of marijuana, heroin, and crack cocaine. The estimated street value of the seized drugs is approximately $54,000. In addition to seizing illegal drugs, police reportedly seized 7 firearms, 11 vehicles used in the drug operation, and $48,000 in cash.
A number of other suspects in the drug distribution operation are still at large. East Orange police have issued arrest warrants for the additional suspects.
For more information about this case, check out the NJ.com article entitled “45 Suspects ID’d in Mass East Orange Drug Bust.”
