Union Man Had Loaded Guns While Trafficking Drugs: Police

UNION, NJ — A Union Township man, who was previously convicted of aggravated manslaughter, admitted to having two loaded handguns and a large amount of cocaine and heroin that he intended to sell, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Quadir Allen, 41, pleaded guilty to all three counts of an indictment charging him with possession of firearms by a previously convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin, and possession of firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

During a traffic stop on Jan.31, 2018, Union Township Police found two handguns loaded with hollow-point ammunition and large quantities of heroin and cocaine, which were packaged for street-level distribution, according to documents filed in this case and statements made in court.

Allen previously was convicted of aggravated manslaughter in Essex County Superior Court, Carpenito said.

The possession of firearms by a previously convicted felon count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. The possession of heroin with intent to distribute count carries a minimum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and a maximum penalty of 40 years’ imprisonment, and a $5 million fine. The possession of firearms during a drug trafficking crime carries a minimum penalty of five years’ imprisonment, which must run consecutively to any sentence imposed on the possession of heroin with intent to distribute count, a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 9.

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