NEWARK, N.J. — Federal authorities have charged 30 individuals in connection with a major drug trafficking organization that operated in and around the Kretchmer Homes public housing complex in Newark, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced Wednesday.
The defendants are accused of distributing large quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine while using firearms to protect their narcotics business. The group, identified as the Frelinghuysen DTO, includes members and associates of the Bloods street gang who allegedly ran an open-air drug market along Frelinghuysen Avenue.
Seventeen of the suspects were arrested Wednesday and appeared in Newark federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen. Seven were already in state custody, one was previously in federal custody, and four remain at large.
“These defendants are charged with operating a large-scale drug trafficking organization that poisoned our community with its distribution of massive quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine,” said U.S. Attorney Habba. “Fentanyl remains the deadliest driver of overdose deaths in our nation, devastating families every day.”
Joint federal operation dismantles violent drug ring
The investigation involved wiretaps, undercover purchases, surveillance, and telephone record analysis. Authorities seized multiple firearms and approximately 7,000 grams of heroin and fentanyl — enough to potentially kill up to 500,000 people, according to DEA Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz.
“This was a sweeping and surgical strike against a violent drug trafficking network that terrorized an elderly community with poison and fear,” FBI Director Kash Patel said. “We will not allow gangs to hold neighborhoods hostage.”
The charges include conspiracy to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl and 280 grams of cocaine base, along with multiple firearms and narcotics offenses. The arrests were part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative targeting drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
The case was investigated by the DEA, FBI, ATF, Newark Police, Essex County Sheriff’s Department, Union County Prosecutor’s Office, and multiple state and local agencies under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF).
