Fourteen Charged in South Jersey Drug and Weapons Trafficking Case

State investigation dismantles alleged criminal network distributing cocaine, fentanyl, meth, and firearms across Cumberland County

TRENTON, N.J. — Fourteen individuals have been charged in connection with a large-scale drug and weapons trafficking ring that authorities say operated in South Jersey and was led by a self-proclaimed gang member. The announcement was made today, July 17, 2025, by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), and the New Jersey State Police (NJSP).

The investigation, which spanned from July 2024 through May 2025, focused on the alleged activities of Ryan Collins, 33, of Vineland, who is accused of heading the organization. Collins is charged with multiple first-degree offenses, including leading a narcotics trafficking network, distribution of cocaine and methamphetamine, and promoting organized street crime, in addition to weapons charges involving two assault firearms, a handgun, and large-capacity magazines. He also faces charges related to the sale of fentanyl.

According to the criminal complaint, Collins identified himself as a member of the Crips street gang and allegedly managed a distribution network across Cumberland County, purchasing bulk quantities of drugs and firearms or directing lower-level associates to conduct sales on his behalf to avoid law enforcement scrutiny.

“We allege that the leader of this ring bragged about his membership in a criminal street gang known for its violence and illegal drug trade,” said DCJ Director Theresa J. Hilton.

Seized Drugs and Firearms

Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement recovered a significant cache of narcotics and weapons from Collins and his associates, including:

• 1,052 grams of cocaine (37 ounces)

• 207 grams of crack cocaine (7.4 ounces)

• 306 grams of fentanyl (10.9 ounces)

• 832 grams of methamphetamine (29.5 ounces)

Seized firearms include:

• One privately manufactured AR-15 with a round chambered and a high-capacity magazine

• One Ruger PC Carbine with a 50-round drum magazine (reported stolen)

• One Springfield Armory Saint AR-15 with a 45-round high-capacity magazine

• One Roman/Cugir Draco-C 7 caliber firearm, loaded with 29 rounds

Authorities say the organization relied on both firearms and narcotics sales to fuel operations and maintain control within its territory.

Additional Charges and Ongoing Efforts

In total, 13 additional co-defendants face a range of drug and weapons charges. One individual, Roger Loatman, 56, of Bridgeton, remains at large.

“The individuals arrested — led by a self-proclaimed gang member — sought to flood South Jersey with dangerous, illegal drugs,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Thanks to the collaborative efforts of our federal, state, and local partners, we’ve taken a major step in protecting our neighborhoods.”

The case was developed by members of the New Jersey State Police Gangs and Organized Crime South Unit, particularly Detective Jake D’Angelo, and is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorneys General William Holmes and Jaclyn Dowd under the supervision of Deputy Chief Nicole Siano and Bureau Chief Cassandra Montalto.

“These defendants are charged with dealing in the deadly combination of illegal drugs and illegal weapons,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Neither belongs on our streets and in our neighborhoods."

The investigation received assistance from several agencies, including:

• Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office

• Salem City Police Department

• Gloucester Township Police Department

• Clayton Police Department

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

Legal Context

• First-degree charges carry penalties of 10 to 20 years in state prison and fines up to $200,000

• Second-degree charges: 5 to 10 years and fines up to $150,000

• Third-degree charges: 3 to 5 years and up to $15,000 in fines

• Fourth-degree charges: Up to 18 months in prison and $10,000 in fines

Authorities emphasize that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.