28 Charged in Newark Drug and Gun Trafficking Case Tied to Bloods Street Gang

Federal investigation targets fentanyl, heroin, and firearms distribution network operating from public housing sites

Twenty-eight individuals have been charged in federal court for their alleged involvement in a drug and firearms trafficking enterprise associated with the Bloods street gang in Newark, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced. The indictment stems from a long-running investigation centered on narcotics distribution within and around the Riverside Villa Public Housing Complex and other Newark neighborhoods.

According to federal prosecutors, 26 of the defendants are accused of participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy involving large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine. The criminal enterprise allegedly operated from locations including the Riverside Villa complex, 4th Avenue and North 12th Street, and Garden Spires Apartments. Two additional defendants were charged in connection with a firearm-related incident in rival gang territory.

Each of the 26 individuals charged with narcotics conspiracy faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, with a maximum sentence of life, and a fine of up to $10 million. Those defendants include:

• Tahjuan Ferrell (“Jers”), Raymon Rodriguez (“Ray Ray”), Ricky Colon, Jr., Sayyied Anderson (“Sal”), Carnell Wright (“Jay”), Briant Haynes (“B”), Rashon Wheeler (“Petey”), Demetrius Julu, Nero Whitehead (“Woo”), Dawud Cross (“Mu”), Joseph Johnson (“Pearl”), Yusef Mack (“Gutter”), Alsharick King (“Ghost”), Montrel Jordan (“Trillz”), Patrick Jordan (“Swerve”), Raheam Springer, Ibn Rogers, Blake Howard, Daniel Valentin, Mekhi Lawrence (“MK”), Craig Walker (“Lean”), Kevin Wiley (“LB”), Quince Melvin, Nakki Melvin, Ricardo Gonzalez (“Ricky”), quadir Simmons (“Scoom”)

In addition, Quasir Miranda (“Space”) and Zakiyy Houser (“GBK”) face charges for unlawful possession of ammunition in a school zone, relating to a February 18, 2025, attempted shooting targeting a rival gang. They each face up to 5 years in prison if convicted.

The investigation included extensive surveillance, controlled narcotics purchases, search and seizure operations, and telecommunications analysis that revealed significant coordination among the defendants.

Many of the arrests were carried out across multiple jurisdictions, including Essex County and, in one case, Tampa, Florida. Defendants made initial court appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judges in Newark.

The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Newark Police Department, with support from numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies across New Jersey. These efforts were coordinated under the Newark Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), established in 2017 to address gang and gun violence through interagency collaboration.

The case is also part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative targeting violent crime and organized drug trafficking through enhanced enforcement under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Nadel and Jason Goldberg of the Narcotics and International Trafficking Unit are prosecuting the case.

As of now, the charges are accusations only. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.