TRENTON, N.J. — Fourteen individuals have been charged in connection with a drug trafficking network that operated across South Jersey and involved a stockpile of illegal firearms, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced Thursday.
The alleged ringleader, Ryan Collins, 33, of Vineland, is accused of leading the narcotics operation and faces first-degree charges for distributing cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, in addition to weapons offenses. Authorities say Collins, a self-described member of the Crips street gang, also faces charges for promoting organized street crime.
Thirteen others are charged with varying drug and weapons offenses. One of them, Roger Loatman, 56, of Bridgeton, remains at large.
“These defendants are charged with dealing in the deadly combination of illegal drugs and illegal weapons,” said Attorney General Platkin.
The charges stem from a multi-agency investigation that began in July 2024 and uncovered a network distributing large quantities of drugs and firearms across Cumberland County. Collins allegedly used associates to distribute narcotics and sell weapons, including assault firearms equipped with high-capacity magazines.
Between July 2024 and May 2025, investigators seized nearly 2,400 grams of illegal drugs, including crack cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, as well as four assault-style firearms. One of the recovered guns, a Ruger PC Carbine, was reported stolen. Authorities also recovered a privately manufactured AR-15 loaded with .223 caliber rounds.
“The individuals arrested — led by a self-proclaimed gang member — sought to flood South Jersey with dangerous, illegal drugs,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.
Authorities say the case reflects an ongoing effort to dismantle criminal networks involved in narcotics and firearms trafficking in the state.