Twenty-Six Charged in Violent Drug Ring Operating in Newark's North 9th Street Corridor

State authorities allege "Double ii – Queen Street Blood Gang" used weapons, threats, and intimidation to maintain control over open-air narcotics market.

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) have charged 26 individuals in connection with a sprawling criminal operation that allegedly used violence and intimidation to control a major drug trafficking set in Newark. The group, known as the “Double ii – Queen Street Blood Gang,” is accused of trafficking heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine while perpetrating acts of violence in support of its illegal enterprise.

“Illegal drug trafficking continues to impact the lives of New Jerseyans, and gangs like the one described in today’s criminal complaints seek to profit from the sale of these potentially fatal drugs,” said Attorney General Platkin. “This particular drug enterprise is charged with routinely engaging in violence for the sake of intimidating others, maintaining gang discipline, and controlling their territory. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect our cities and towns from these criminal organizations.”

The alleged leader of the organization, Rabiyah Sorey, 43, of Elizabeth, faces numerous charges including first-degree racketeering, conspiracy, weapons offenses, assaults, and multiple drug offenses. Charging documents identify Sorey as the head of the "Newark Set" — an open-air drug market concentrated around the 200 block of North 9th Street. According to state prosecutors, the set was staffed by at least nine core members or affiliates who acted as distributors and enforcers.

Authorities allege the criminal operation was supported by acts of violence intended to discipline internal members, retaliate against rivals, and enforce Sorey’s authority. Incidents under investigation include:

• April 19, 2023: Sorey and co-defendant Nicole Jones allegedly orchestrated a shooting in Irvington during a road rage confrontation.

• July 21, 2023: A known associate of the gang was shot in the face, allegedly in connection to an unpaid drug debt.

• April 21, 2024: Sorey allegedly fired a handgun during a domestic dispute on North 9th Street, aiming at bystanders witnessing a street altercation.

• May 2024: A series of social media videos captured threats made by Sorey against a person identified as “K.W.,” including footage suggesting she was holding K.W.’s brother against his will.

• July 22, 2024: Sorey and several co-defendants allegedly shot a man, identified as “A.C.,” three times on North 12th Street.

Investigators linked these incidents through surveillance footage, ballistics evidence, and intercepted communications. One firearm—a Springfield Armory XD 30 sub-compact handgun—was allegedly used in multiple shootings and later recovered during a vehicle search in September 2024.

“The defendants in this case are charged with running an organized, brazen drug trafficking network that operated out in the open in a Newark neighborhood,” said DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton. “Having this kind of activity, and the violence and danger that go along with it, is intolerable. Everyone should expect to be safe in their own neighborhoods – dismantling networks like this is one way to achieve that.”

The group is also accused of maintaining a narcotics production facility at a residence shared by Sorey and Jones in Elizabeth. Authorities recovered 91 grams of heroin, cash, and drug packaging materials during a court-authorized search of the property on March 24, 2025. Branded heroin stamps such as “Exit 5,” “Route 21,” “Body Bag,” and “Passion” were found, reportedly matching packaging linked to Double ii’s distribution operations.

“The Newark Police Division is most appreciative for its invaluable partnership with the Office of New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice Director Theresa Hilton,” said Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr. “This impressive list of charges, levied against 26 gang members who blatantly conducted an illicit drug operation aimed at destroying Newark families through violence and addiction, is both appropriate and significant. We trust that it sends a clear message to anyone who mistakenly believes that Newark is a gravy train for their criminal activities.”

Additional co-defendants include individuals alleged to have fulfilled roles as street-level dealers, advisors, enforcers, and logistical coordinators for the Newark Set. Charges have been filed against Malachi Bostwick, Gianni Bowens, Zion Carson, Amani Faines, Jonathan Harris, Jalil Morris, Alkadair Ports, Amir Reynolds, Nathaniel Robinson, Blaine Simmons, Omar Smith, Bashir Sorey, Safeeullah Sorey, Michael Sosa, Jeffrey Uhrig, Robert Walton, and William Walton.

The investigation was led by the DCJ Major Threats Division in partnership with the Newark Police Division’s Intelligence Unit, the Elizabeth Police Department, and the New Jersey State Police. Key supervision was provided by DCJ Director Theresa Hilton and Chief of Detectives Weldon Powell.

All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.