68 Busted In N.J. Heroin, Gun, Violence Sweeps

Sixty-eight people were busted in two statewide drug, guns and violent offenses sweeps this week.

Sixty people were busted in a month-long round-up operation conducted between June 1, 2017 and 23 by the State Police and Newark authorities. Eight individuals from across the state were also busted on drug charges this week in the Newark area on the 400-block of Irvine Turner Boulevard.

Arrested for drug possession were: Arnold Franklin, 62, charged with heroin possession and an outstanding warrant; and Vincent Mendez, 59, charged with heroin and cocaine possession and an outstanding warrant. Both men are from Newark.

The following suspects, all from Elizabeth, were also arrested: Bryant McMorris, 54, and Jeorge Davila, 49, both charged with heroin possession; and Victor Thomas, 57, and Cynthia Jackson, 55, both charged with wandering with the intent to purchase drugs.

Victor Lloyd, 50, of Irvington, was also arrested and charged with heroin possession, as was Janice Bowers, 56, of Bound Brook, who is charged with wandering with the intent to purchase drugs.

“I commend the members of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force, including members of the Newark Police Division, for their vigilance in addressing citizen concerns and arresting those in possession of CDS or wandering to purchase CDS,” Director Anthony Ambrose said. “These law enforcement officers responded to residents’ complaints and took the necessary action to rid their neighborhood of this criminal activity.”

The State Police operation, meanwhile, targeted 181 violent offenders with open warrants. A summary of these arrests include suspects wanted for illegal weapon possession, narcotics offenses, robbery, theft and shooting warrants.

The operation included the arrest of:

• Jihad Anderson, 21, who was wanted following his June 1, 2017 arrest on charges of aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon (handgun) and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes.
• Radee S. Foye, 18, was also wanted following his June 14, 2017 arrest on charges of unlawful possession of a weapon (handgun) and possession of prohibited weapons.
• Dawud Q. West, 28, was wanted following his June 16, 2017 arrest on charges of possession of a prohibited weapon (sawed-off shotgun) as well as possession of a defaced firearm.

Each of these suspects is from Newark.

“I commend the officers, detectives and supervisors who facilitated the success of this operation from both the Newark Police Division and the New Jersey State Police,” Ambrose said. “Removing violent offenders from our streets results in safer neighborhoods and enhanced quality of life for our residents and visitors.”

"This massive roundup sends a message to the good, law abiding residents of Newark that we will not allow wanted criminals to roam freely with impunity," said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. "We will continue to work diligently with Newark Police, and I commend all of the troopers and officers involved with this operation."

Director Ambrose is urging anyone with information about any individual with an outstanding warrant to call the Department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or 1-877-NWK-GUNS (1-877-695-4867). All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.

Anonymous tips may also be made using the Police Division’s website at: www.newarkpdonline.org or through our new Smartphone App available at iTunes or on Google Play. Search Newark Police Division to download the App.

Newark police photos