793 Bloods Members Hit With Drug Charges

Newark’s streets are again under the spotlight as eight members and associates of the ‘793 Bloods’ street gang have been charged in a major drug trafficking operation. The group, which is part of the larger Bloods national gang, stands accused of distributing deadly substances such as fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine throughout the city.

According to officials, 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, were apprehended for their roles in the alleged conspiracy. Robert Franklin, 29, of Newark, faces additional charges including possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, distribution and possession of cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The grim details of the investigation reveal an open-air narcotics market operating on South Orange and Isabella avenues. For months, law enforcement conducted surveillance and conducted controlled purchases of drugs, all demonstrating extensive interactions related to drug trafficking among gang members. Franklin’s arrest followed a suspected transaction in which he was found with cocaine base and a firearm equipped with a high-capacity magazine, loaded with 16 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

The charges against the gang members carry severe penalties. The conspiracy count alone has a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a fine of at least $5 million. Franklin faces up to 15 years for possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, 20 years for cocaine distribution, and life in prison for firearms possession in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Two additional individuals, Fakhir Johnson, 20, and Samaj Collins, 20, were also charged earlier this month. Johnson is accused of possessing a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, while Collins faces charges related to heroin and cocaine distribution and firearms possession in furtherance of drug trafficking.

This operation is part of the Newark Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), which was formed in 2017 with the goal of combatting violent crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Newark’s Department of Public Safety all contributed to this investigation.