Undercover Newark Police Bust Three for Drugs, Weapons

An undercover investigation by Newark police Thursday led to the arrest of three men and the recovery of two handguns and a number of drugs, according to Newark Det. Josephine Santaniello.

The bust was part of the department's ongoing efforts to target crime-ridden hot spots in the city. Santaniello said police conducted the operation in response to crime trend data and citizens complaints of drug activity in that area.

Undercover officers entered Hood Variety Store on Central Avenue in the West Ward and purchased drugs around 3 p.m. After the deal, officers identified themselves as police and then heard voices in the back of the store, where they found the men. The weapons and drugs were found in a bag.

Davonne Laboo, 19, of Newark, Ahmod Ore, 26, of Newark, and Qissiys Islam, 38, of Newark, were charged with drugs and weapons offenses, according to Santaniello.

Santaniello said police recovered a silver .25 caliber Lorcin handgun and a black .9mm Glock handgun, a medicine bottle with no label containing numerous yellow oxycodone pills and bags of marijuana.

"We must recognize that these current successes are not anomaly, but instead part of a continuing trend that is not the result of any one initiative," said Acting Newark Police Director Samuel DeMaio in a statement. "(Instead, it's) the result of many proven strategic systems that have been implemented over the past few months aimed at reducing and preventing crime and violence."

— Staff reports