24 Indicted in Major Newark Drug Trafficking and Firearms Case Tied to Bloods Gang

Federal investigation targets “MunnHees” gang alliance operating out of Bradley Court Housing Complex; charges include drug conspiracy and illegal weapons possession

NEWARK, N.J. – Twenty-four individuals from Essex County have been charged with narcotics and firearms offenses as part of a federal crackdown on a drug trafficking organization linked to the Bloods-affiliated “MunnHees” gang alliance in Newark. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey announced the charges following a 14-month investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Newark Police Department.

“For far too long, the Bloods have overtaken the Bradley Court Housing Complex — turning its courtyards and residential buildings into a hub for pumping deadly fentanyl into the city of Newark, while endangering the lives of the citizens who call this community home. This poison has ripped families apart and stolen countless lives. That stops today. These arrests affirm my office’s commitment to taking guns and drugs off the streets, and serve as a clear warning to anyone who considers engaging in violent activity." - U.S. Attorney Alina Habba

The defendants, associated with the “Sex, Money, Murder” subset of the Bloods street gang operating out of the Bradley Court Housing Complex in Newark’s North Ward, are accused of distributing large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine. The gang-controlled network, known by aliases including “Munn Block,” “M-Blok,” and “Tombstone Gang,” operates in coordination with another Bloods faction based near Voorhees Street under the alliance name “MunnHees.”

All 24 individuals face charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Three defendants—Sebastian Pierrecent (21), Quayyan Johnson (22), and Tauheed Carney (21)—face additional charges for possessing a machine gun used in a June 17, 2025 shooting near Mapes Avenue, which authorities believe was gang-related. Pierrecent is further charged with possession of firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon.

Law enforcement used a combination of surveillance, controlled drug purchases, communications analysis, and social media monitoring to gather evidence. Authorities noted the defendants used platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Signal, Telegram, and WhatsApp to coordinate operations and disseminate drill rap music videos intended to intimidate rivals and promote gang activity.

The conspiracy charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and $10 million in fines. The machinegun possession charges carry up to 10 years in prison, while Pierrecent could face an additional 15 years for weapons possession as a felon.

The investigation was part of the Newark Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), a joint law enforcement partnership launched in 2017 aimed at reducing gun violence and gang activity in the region. Agencies involved included the U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals, Newark Department of Public Safety, and multiple state and local law enforcement entities.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Goldberg and Javon Henry of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit are prosecuting the case. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.