Drug Raids In Essex County: 48 Arrests, $10K Of Narcotics Seized

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Police conducted a city-wide narcotics operation in Essex County last week, arresting 48 people and seizing more than $10,000 of heroin, cocaine and other drugs. According to the Newark Department of Public Safety, the Newark raids took place from Tuesday, April 25, to Friday, April 28.

Authorities said that the operation was conducted “in response to citizen complaints,” and resulted in 48 arrests, seven recovered firearms, and seizures of 630 decks of heroin, 151 vials and bags of cocaine, 35 plastic bags of marijuana and 64 unidentified “pills,” in addition to $2,723 in cash taken as possible proceeds of drug sales.

Police estimated the value of the narcotics at $10,227.

Arrestees include a Tennesse man and individuals from nearby towns of Glen Ridge, Linden and East Orange. Of the total arrests, 25 were related to controlled substances and 11 were for weapon possession, police said.

Those arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Weapon and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose included: Shaquan Hyland, 21, Najie Barkley, 25, Najee Moore, 20, Marquel O’Neal,18, Barry Little, 47, all of Newark; as well as two male juveniles, a 17-year old and a 16-year old (charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon only), both of Newark.

Xavier Williams, 27, and Takia Reid, 31, both of East Orange, and Zahkai Perry, 19, and Carols Sanchez, 18, both of Newark, were also arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.

Sixteen additional individuals were charged with CDS Possession; one was charged with CDS Possession with Intent to Distribute and 20 individuals were arrested for outstanding warrants.

Hyland and Barkely were also charged with possession of CDS, Distribution of CDS, Distribution of CDS within 1,000 Feet of a School, and Distribution of CDS within 500 Feet of a Public Housing Complex.

Hyland, Barkely, Moore and O’Neal also face charges of Criminal Trespass and Resisting Arrest, police stated.

Little was also charged with CDS Possession, CDS Distribution and Receiving Stolen Property.