NEWARK, N.J. — Federal agents arrested 18 individuals and filed charges against 24 alleged members of a Newark-based drug trafficking organization Tuesday, dismantling what authorities described as an open-air drug market tied to the Bloods street gang.
The arrests stem from a 14-month investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations Newark in coordination with the Newark Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. Authorities said the drug operation was based out of the Bradley Court Public Housing Complex, located near North Munn Avenue and Tremont Avenue.
“In addition to the 18 arrests, HSI Newark’s investigation led to federal charges filed against 24 individuals and we executed seven federal search warrants in and around Essex County,” said HSI Newark Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel.
Two more defendants were arrested Wednesday, while four remain at large. During the takedown, authorities seized $113,000 in cash, multiple firearms including illicit weapons, ammunition, 28 bricks of fentanyl and heroin, and several vehicles.
Prosecutors said the charged individuals are affiliated with the Sex, Money, Murder subset of the Bloods gang, also known as the Munn Block, M-Blok, or Tombstone Gang. The group, which also identifies collectively with another faction as “MunnHees,” allegedly maintained control over the Bradley Court drug trade, distributing heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and crack.
According to authorities, members of the group used social media platforms including Instagram, YouTube, Signal, and Telegram to coordinate operations, share videos, and promote the gang through music videos and drill rap content aimed at intimidating rivals and witnesses.
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba said, “For far too long, the Bloods have overtaken the Bradley Court Housing Complex — turning its courtyards and residential buildings into a hub for pumping deadly fentanyl into the city of Newark.”
Defendants face charges including conspiracy to distribute narcotics, with three individuals — Sebastian Pierrecent, Quayyan Johnson, and Tauheed Carney — also charged in connection with possession of machine guns, including one allegedly used in a June 17 shooting in rival gang territory.
If convicted, the accused face mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years and up to life in prison, along with fines reaching $10 million.