NEWARK, N.J. — Federal and local law enforcement arrested 18 individuals on Monday in a major drug trafficking operation that dismantled an open-air narcotics market based in the Bradley Court Public Housing Complex, authorities said.
The arrests follow a 14-month investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark, the Newark Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. Two additional suspects were arrested Tuesday. Four remain at large.
“In addition to the 18 arrests, HSI’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 during a press conference.
The investigation uncovered a drug operation tied to the Blood-affiliated gang Sex, Money, Murder, also known locally as the “Munn Block,” operating in Bradley Court. The gang distributed fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine while engaging in violence and armed activity. Authorities seized approximately 28 bricks of narcotics, $113,000 in cash, multiple firearms, and vehicles during the operation.
According to prosecutors, the organization used social media platforms and encrypted apps to coordinate trafficking activity, intimidate rivals, and promote gang image through drill rap videos. Surveillance, undercover buys, and phone analysis linked the suspects to the drug network and violent incidents.
Three suspects — Sebastian Pierrecent, 21, Quayyan Johnson, and Tauheed Carney — face additional charges for possessing a machine gun used in a June 17 shooting in rival gang territory near Mapes Avenue in Newark. Pierrecent is also charged as a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
“For far too long, the Bloods have overtaken the Bradley Court Housing Complex… That stops today,” U.S. Attorney Alina Habba said.
Authorities said residents in the 10-building complex had lived under threat from gang violence, which this operation aimed to eliminate.