Bloods Gang’s Newark Fentanyl Network Crumbles: 24 Arrested

NEWARK, N.J. – Twenty-four individuals are facing federal charges today after a sweeping takedown of a drug trafficking organization linked to the Bloods street gang. The operation, centered around the Bradley Court Housing Complex in Newark, allegedly pumped lethal quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine into the city for over a year.

U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced the charges, the culmination of a 14-month investigation spearheaded by the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, with crucial support from the Newark Police Department. The enterprise, known as Sex, Money, Murder (“SMM”) – and locally as Munn Block, M-Blok, and Tombstone Gang – effectively controlled the drug trade in and around Bradley Court, a nexus of criminal activity at North Munn Avenue and Tremont Avenue.

Facing charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine are: Shamon Freshley, a/k/a “Hitta,” 26; Orlando Pizarro, a/k/a “Lando,” 26; Zakir Jefferson, a/k/a “Gu,” a/k/a “Tank,” 26; Quayyon Johnson, a/k/a “Weeze,” 22; Melvin Faines, a/k/a “Spaz,” 34; Afrika Islam, a/k/a “Sexx,” 29; Shaheem Webb, a/k/a “YC,” 23; Eustace Weeks, a/k/a “Juxx,” 26; Ali Baker, a/k/a “Surf,” 34; Jose Ward, a/k/a “Hec,” 22; Brandon Sneed, a/k/a “Pops,” 31; Eric Banks, a/k/a “Lil Maneskii,” 19; Tauheed Carney, a/k/a “Bmunn,” 21; Tykee Stokes, a/k/a “Big,” 32; Shafeek Barker, a/k/a “Sha,” 28; Ibn Perry, a/k/a “Loop,” 38; Alvin Jones, a/k/a “Lucky,” 41; Kirk Mansook, a/k/a “Crow,” 39; Tyjanique Green, a/k/a “Ski,” 24; Jubar Hughes, a/k/a “Dudu,” 27; Daisean Williams, a/k/a “Khaos,” 22; Jason Wardlaw, a/k/a “Jayr,” 30; and Rana James a/k/a “Pooh,” 28 – all residents of Essex County, New Jersey.

The investigation revealed the group’s savvy use of social media – Instagram, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Signal, Telegram, and WhatsApp – not only for communication but to promote their operation, intimidate rivals with drill rap songs and videos, and expand their reach. Sebastian Pierrecent, a/k/a “Sosa,” 21, Quayyan Johnson, and Tauheed Carney face additional charges, including possession of a machinegun. Pierrecent is also charged with possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, compounding the gravity of the case.

“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,” stated U.S. Attorney Habba. “This poison has ripped families apart and stolen countless lives. That stops today.” She emphasized the office’s commitment to removing drugs and weapons from the streets, warning those involved in similar activities that they will be relentlessly pursued and prosecuted.

As of this afternoon, four defendants were already in state custody, one was already in federal custody, and five remain at large. The remaining defendants are scheduled to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams in Newark federal court. While all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty, the evidence gathered suggests a deeply entrenched criminal enterprise that brought misery and death to the streets of Newark. The investigation continues, with authorities vowing to dismantle the entire MunnHees alliance, which links Munn Block with the Voorhees gang operating on Voorhees Street.

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