The acting Essex County Prosecutor and the acting Attorney General recently announced the results of a major narcotics investigation.
The long-term probe, which is called “Operation Joint Effort,” involved several law enforcement agencies throughout New Jersey and took three months.
The acting Attorney General noted that the operation aimed to stomp out drug-related violence by shutting down a major source of heroin in New Jersey.
In total, 31 people were arrested and charged in connection with the drug-selling operation. According to authorities, the drug operation was generating millions of dollars each year.
The investigation came to a dramatic conclusion when detectives raided 14 locations across the state and seized more than 500 bricks of heroin with a street value of roughly $300,000. Police also reportedly seized cocaine, marijuana, nine cars, and more than $70,000 in cash.
Authorities believe that the drug distribution ring was run by five suspects. These suspects reportedly reside in Newark, Orange, and Edgewater.
The main suspects were charged with a number of drug crimes, including heroin distribution and heroin possession. They were also charged with conspiracy.
Meanwhile, the other suspects in the case have been charged with lesser offenses like simple drug possession.
For additional information, see the NJ.com article entitled “31 Charged as Authorities Take Down Large Newark-Based Heroin Ring.”
