Bloods Gang’s Newark Fentanyl Ring Busted: 24 Charged

NEWARK, N.J. – Twenty-four individuals are facing federal charges today after a massive takedown targeting a drug trafficking operation run by the Bloods street gang within the Bradley Court Housing Complex in Newark. The operation flooded the area with deadly fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine, turning a residential community into a haven for illicit activity, according to U.S. Attorney Alina Habba.

The 14-month investigation, spearheaded by the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in close collaboration with the Newark Police Department, revealed a sophisticated network controlled by the Sex, Money, Murder (“SMM”) Blood-affiliated gang. This subset, operating around Bradley Court and known as Munn Block, M-Blok, and Tombstone Gang (the “Enterprise”), maintained a tight alliance with the Voorhees gang, collectively referred to as “MunnHees.”

Those charged include 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 of Essex County, New Jersey. All are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.

The investigation uncovered that members of the Enterprise brazenly used social media – Instagram, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Signal, Telegram, and WhatsApp – to facilitate their criminal enterprise. Drill rap songs and music videos were reportedly utilized to intimidate rivals and promote the gang’s activities. Additionally, Sebastian Pierrecent, a/k/a “Sosa,” 21, Quayyan Johnson, and Tauheed Carney face charges of possession of a machinegun, while Pierrecent is also accused of possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon.

“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. These arrests affirm my office’s commitment to taking guns and drugs off the streets, and serves as a clear warning to anyone who considers engaging in violent activity.”

As of this afternoon, four defendants were already in state custody, one in federal custody, while five remain at large. The remaining defendants are scheduled to make their initial court appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams in Newark federal court. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty, but Habba warned that her office will “use every resource necessary” to prosecute those involved in spreading this “poison” and engaging in violent activity.”

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