NEWARK, N.J. – A sprawling drug trafficking network operating out of the Salem Lafayette Housing Complex in Jersey City has been dismantled with the arrest of nineteen individuals, authorities announced today. The charges stem from a long-running wiretap investigation that exposed a brazen operation peddling poison into the streets.
Facing federal complaints are: Isaiah West, a/k/a “Snoop,” a/k/a “Bandz,” 22, of Jersey City; Jamantay Gaines, a/k/a “D-Rose,” 28, of Jersey City; Curtis Felder, a/k/a “Cee Grizzley,” 26, of Jersey City; Dorian Garrett, a/k/a “Nero,” 21, of New York City; William Washington, a/k/a “OnSight,” 23, of Jersey City; Aamir Thomas, a/k/a “Mir,” 23, of Jersey City; Nareef Frimpong, a/k/a “Huncho,” 24, of Jersey City; Reakwon Harvey, 28, of Jersey City; Pedro Torres, 21, of Jersey City; Najon Pettiford, a/k/a “Na,” 23, of Jersey City; Desmar Rivers, a/k/a “Pacman,” 26 of Jersey City; Stephon Turner, 26, of Jersey City; Tyler Thornton, 30, of Jersey City; Christopher Maldonado, a/k/a “G Chris,” 18, of Jersey City; Keiyan Golden, a/k/a “Kevin Council,” 48, of Jersey City; Cornell Bell, 49 of Jersey City; Serge Rodriguez, 29, of Jersey City; Gerard Crawford, a/k/a “Jason Reed,” 51, of Jersey City; and Alfred Reaves, 56, of Jersey City.
The investigation, a joint effort by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Jersey City Police Department, revealed the group was allegedly involved in a conspiracy to distribute significant quantities of narcotics. Specifically, the charges include conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and varying amounts of heroin, cocaine, PCP, and prescription pills. The scale of the operation points to a deeply entrenched criminal enterprise preying on vulnerable communities.
Sixteen of the defendants were arrested today and are scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge José R. Almonte in Newark federal court. One defendant was already in custody on unrelated state charges, while two remain at large, prompting a continued manhunt. Law enforcement sources indicate the investigation is ongoing and further arrests are possible.
“These defendants are charged with operating a drug trafficking organization that poisoned the community of Jersey City with their distribution of fentanyl, crack cocaine, PCP, and several other narcotics,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba. “Today’s arrests and charges mark another strike in our relentless war against the deadly narcotics and ruthless street gangs that infest and terrorize our communities. We will not rest until every drug trafficker and violent offender is held accountable and removed from our streets.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks emphasized the collaborative nature of the takedown. “This investigation and charges are a testament to the combined efforts of law enforcement and underscores the resolve of ATF and our federal, state, and local partners,” he said. “Drug trafficking and the heinous criminal acts associated with violent criminal organizations have an insidious impact on the public and tear apart the fabric of our communities.” DEA New Jersey Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz added, “The DEA remains committed to protecting our communities and saving lives,” while Acting Prosecutor Wayne Mello stated, “Every illegal drug removed from the streets helps ensure the safety of our community.”
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Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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