LINDEN, N.J. — A sweeping, multi-agency investigation led to the arrest of 24 individuals and the dismantling of a major drug distribution network operating across multiple counties in New Jersey, Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel and Linden Police Chief David Hart announced Thursday.
The coordinated operation, executed on May 29, involved 14 search warrants carried out across Linden, Roselle, Elizabeth, Plainfield, Rahway, East Orange, Newark, and Avenel. Law enforcement recovered more than $81,000 in cash, six handguns, and large quantities of illegal drugs including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, prescription pills, and marijuana.
The investigation, led by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office Intelligence and Narcotics Division and the Linden Police Department Narcotics Bureau, revealed an expansive drug operation involving individuals ranging in age from their 20s to 70s. Police also seized drug paraphernalia and materials used in operating drug mills.
Major quantities of narcotics and firearms seized
Among the drugs confiscated were 431 grams of powder cocaine, 127 grams of methamphetamine, 2,149 prescription pills, and 19 pounds of marijuana. Authorities also recovered drug packaging tools, large capacity magazines, and 500 prescription Xanax pills. One additional individual, already in custody, is facing new charges connected to the investigation.
Dozens of law enforcement agencies participated in the raid, including departments from Union, Essex, Middlesex, and local municipalities, as well as multiple SWAT teams.
Contact information
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Union County Narcotics Task Force Detective Dylan Cosgrove at (908) 341-3088 or Linden Police Detective Michael Olbrys at (908) 474-8515.
