Alleged Leaders Of ‘Drive-Through’ Drug Spot Near I-78 Indicted

NEWARK, NJ — Four alleged members of a narcotics ring that ran a “drive-through” heroin operation near I-78 in Newark were indicted last week on drug and weapon offenses, prosecutors announced Monday.

More than 100,000 doses of heroin, a kilogram of cocaine and a pound of marijuana were seized during the December 2018 bust, dubbed “Operation Drive-Thru,” according to the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.

Prosecutors said that the alleged ring members would sell drugs to motorists exiting the highway to make “drive-through” purchases. The ring was based on Ridgewood Avenue in Newark, authorities said.

A state grand jury indicted the following people on charges of conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute, maintaining a narcotics facility and second-degree weapons offenses on April 11:

• Dashon Coleman, 37, of Kearny
• Lamon Thomas, 47, of Newark
• Quameer Elamin, 27, of Newark
• Hashawn Landrum, 39, of Newark

In addition to the above people, police arrested a woman at a residence where drugs were seized. Keena Bryant, 28, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, faces first-degree charges of possession of heroin and cocaine with intent to distribute.

Four additional men who allegedly bought heroin from the ring were charged with possession of heroin, prosecutors said.

The December 2018 arrest – which also resulted in the seizure of 13 guns – prompted Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose to blast the gun control policies of neighboring states.

“It’s pathetic that New Jersey has some of the strictest gun laws in the nation, but thanks in large part to lax laws and unscrupulous gun dealers in other states, our residents and officers are threatened with this type of deadly firepower,” Ambrose said.

“The seizure in Operation Drive Thru of two assault rifles, a tactical shotgun and 10 handguns, along with large quantities of heroin and cocaine, means that our streets are safer,” Ambrose added.

The eight-month investigation was led by the New Jersey State Police Crime Suppression North Unit, the Newark Police Department and the Division of Criminal Justice, prosecutors said.

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