Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced today the arrests of a dozen individuals, including two members of the Crips gang, on drug and weapons charges.
The two-day operation conducted by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office VIPER Narcotics Gang Task Force, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office and the Newark Police Department started yesterday and resulted in the confiscation of drugs, US currency and guns.
Yesterday, Malik White, 20, and Al-Tariq Brown, 23, both of Newark were arrested at approximately 3 p.m. at the intersection of Clinton Avenue and Irvin Turner Blvd. in possession of 114 grams of cocaine with an estimated street value of $10,000. Officers also confiscated $604 in cash and a 1997 Crown Victoria.
White and Brown have been charged with conspiracy, possession of narcotics, possession with intent to distribute and possession within 1,000 of a school. Each is currently incarcerated on $150,000 bail at the Essex County Correctional Facility.
Today, 10 other adults – all residents of Newark — were arrested at four different locations when search warrants were executed by the Task Force. Arrests were made at the following four locations in Newark: 37 B Lincoln Street, 200A Court Street, 612 18th Ave., 46-48 Underwood Street.
In the pre-dawn hours officers confiscated a rifle from the Underwood Street location and a handgun from the 18th Avenue location. Approximately $5,000 in marijuana, ecstasy, and heroin were confiscated along with a prescription drug pad. In addition, approximately $5,900 in cash was seized.
The individuals who were taken into custody were charged with possession of narcotics, possession within 1,000 feet of a school and possession within 500 feet of a public playground.
Acting Prosecutor Laurino said this initiative is a part of the continuing effort to keep guns and drugs off the streets of Newark and other parts of Essex County.
He commended Lt. Daniel C. Francis, who headed up the operation, and the entire Task Force for their extraordinary work in apprehending these individuals.
These are mere accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
