LINDEN, N.J. — A long-term narcotics investigation led by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office and Linden Police culminated in the arrest of 24 individuals and the seizure of large quantities of drugs, firearms, and cash, officials announced Thursday.
The operation, executed on May 29, involved 14 search warrants served across Linden, Roselle, Elizabeth, Plainfield, Rahway, East Orange, Newark, and Avenel. More than a dozen agencies, including local police departments and multiple county and regional SWAT teams, participated in the coordinated effort.
Authorities said the joint investigation targeted a drug distribution network primarily operating in Linden and Roselle. The searches resulted in the seizure of $81,559 in cash, six handguns, and over 22 pounds of suspected controlled dangerous substances including cocaine, marijuana, heroin, methamphetamine, and prescription drugs.
In total, law enforcement recovered 431 grams of suspected powder cocaine, 19 pounds of marijuana, 2,149 prescription pills, 500 Xanax pills, and significant quantities of heroin and methamphetamine. Police also confiscated drug manufacturing paraphernalia and materials believed to be used in operating a drug mill.
Arrests span ages and cities, charges include weapons and drug manufacturing
The 24 people arrested range in age from their 20s to 70s and include residents from East Orange, Elizabeth, Roselle, Rahway, Plainfield, Linden, Avenel, Jersey City, and Perth Amboy. One additional individual, Corey Milligan, already in custody on unrelated charges, was charged as part of the investigation.
Charges against the individuals include first-degree narcotics distribution, maintaining a narcotics production facility, firearm possession while committing drug offenses, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines. Several defendants face multiple felony charges.
Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel said, “This network, which was operated by people ranging in age from their 20s to their 70s, conspired with the united purpose to distribute illicit drugs in the Union County area.”
Linden Police Chief David Hart added, “This investigation has dismantled a complex criminal network, disrupted the flow of illegal drugs into our cities, and saved countless families from further violence and suffering.”
Investigation highlights inter-agency collaboration
The operation was led by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office Intelligence and Narcotics Division and the Linden Police Narcotics Bureau, with support from departments across Union, Middlesex, and Essex Counties. SWAT teams from Newark, Essex, Middlesex, and Union counties also participated.
Law enforcement officials credited the success of the operation to months of surveillance and coordination between agencies. Multiple suspects were arrested during warrant executions, while others were taken into custody later.
The Prosecutor’s Office said the investigation remains active, and additional arrests and charges may follow. Anyone with information is urged to contact Union County Prosecutor’s Detective Dylan Cosgrove or Linden Police Detective Michael Olbrys.
