Eight Members of "793 Bloods" Gang Charged in Newark Drug Trafficking Case

Federal charges brought against gang members and associates for distributing fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.

NEWARK, N.J. – Eight individuals associated with the "793 Bloods" street gang, a subset of the national Bloods gang, have been charged for their roles in a Newark-based drug trafficking organization, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

The charged individuals include Muta Bell, 33; Ibn Foster, 19; Xavion Miller, 19; Corey Wade, 32; Bazair White, 20; Yusef Milliron, 28; and Alshakur Robinson, 29, all from Newark. They face one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. Additionally, Robert Franklin, 29, of Newark, is charged with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Bell, Foster, White, and Robinson were arrested and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge José R. Almonte. While Bell, Foster, and Robinson were detained, White was released on a $100,000 unsecured bond. Wade and Franklin, currently detained in state custody, will make their appearances at a later date. Miller and Milliron remain at large.

According to the complaints, the defendants operated an open-air narcotics market in the South Orange and Isabella avenues area of Newark. Law enforcement conducted extensive surveillance and numerous controlled purchases, uncovering extensive drug trafficking activities among the group.

During the investigation, Franklin was found in possession of suspected cocaine base and a privately manufactured firearm with a high-capacity magazine loaded with 16 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

The conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a minimum fine of $5 million, with a mandatory minimum prison sentence of five years. Franklin faces up to 15 years for ammunition possession, up to 20 years for drug distribution, and a mandatory minimum of five years for firearm possession in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, potentially resulting in a life sentence.

Previously, Fakhir Johnson, 20, and Samaj Collins, 20, both of Newark, were charged in the same investigation. Johnson faces one count of firearm and ammunition possession by a convicted felon, while Collins faces charges for intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Division, and the Newark Police Department for their roles in the investigation. He also acknowledged the support of the U.S. Marshals Service and other federal, state, county, and city agencies involved in the Newark Violent Crime Initiative (VCI).

The VCI, established in August 2017, aims to combat violent crime in and around Newark through collaborative efforts between various law enforcement agencies. The investigation is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Graham and Rebecca Sussman.

The charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.