30 Charged in Newark Fentanyl, Crack Network

Federal authorities have charged up to 30 individuals, primarily alleged Bloods gang members, with running a large-scale drug trafficking network distributing fentanyl and crack cocaine near the Kretchmer Homes housing complex, an elderly residential complex in Newark, New Jersey. The investigation involved wiretaps, undercover operations, and surveillance by the DEA, FBI, ATF, and local law enforcement as part of the Newark Violent Crime Initiative. Seventeen suspects were arrested in a coordinated early morning raid, while others were already in custody or remain at large. Officials seized significant quantities of fentanyl, enough to potentially cause hundreds of thousands of overdoses, along with firearms used to protect the operation. Authorities emphasized the network's threat to the community and vowed zero tolerance for violent drug crime. The suspects face federal charges that could result in lengthy prison sentences if convicted.