Atlantic City Man Sentenced for Role in Drug Trafficking Gang

An Atlantic City man was sentenced to 13 years in prison for distributing heroin on behalf of a criminal street gang that used threats, intimidation and violence to maintain control of the illegal drug trade in Atlantic City, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced on Tuesday.

Saeed Zaffa, a/k/a “Seed,” 25, must also serve 10 years of supervised release.

He previously pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and one count of possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon.

From October of 2010 through February of 2013, Zaffa received heroin from 34-year-old Mykal Derry, of Atlantic City, the alleged leader of the Dirty Block gang, according to documents filed in the case and statements made in court.

The gang allegedly sold drugs out of the public housing apartment complexes of Stanley Holmes Village Public Housing Complex, Renaissance Plaza and Schoolhouse Apartments in Atlantic City.

Zaffa distributed the heroin throughout the city. The previously convicted felon was also found to be in possession of a .40 caliber handgun when he was stopped by Atlantic County police officers on March 11, 2013.