Attempted murder investigation leads to drug charges for 24 people

What began as an attempted murder investigation in October last year has now turned into an apparent weapons, gang and drug sweep. Recently, there were 70 officers from law enforcement agencies spreading across four different counties, including Morris County, that took part in the arresting of 24 individuals in relation to the various drug charges, weapons charges, and other charges of which they have been arraigned. A drug charge carries potentially serious consequences, some of which may be realized for those actually convicted of any alleged drug crime.

A special task force team was able to specifically target one individual that they believed was possibly involved in the 2011 attempted murder. Purportedly focusing on this individual, the investigation grew larger than authorities expected. Law enforcement says they were led to a huge drug, gun and gang operation that was allegedly centered in Morris County before moving to Union County. Over a seven-month period, police allegedly seized over $100,000 worth of drugs, vehicles, weapons and equipment that was supposedly used for drug processing and distributing.

Ranging in age from as young as 18 to as old as 49, the 24 individuals all were subject to various degrees and amounts of drug charges. The charges ranged from attempted murder and aggravated assault to weapons and drug charges with and without the intent to sell. The drug allegations dealt with cocaine, heroin, Hydrocodone, Xanax and drug paraphernalia.

All 24 potentially have a very long road ahead of them, as would anyone with a drug charge. Some of the individuals may or may not have been directly involved with any purported gang or drug and weapon operation and possibly could have been falsely charged. All remain innocent unless and until proven guilty, and each would do well to remember that a charge is in no sense the equivalent of a conviction. All parties involved will want to ensure they have a strong criminal defense under their belt as they face prosecutors, at which time they will work with the evidence that the prosecution presents and defend themselves while fighting for their freedom and a favorable outcome.

Source: Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ Patch, "Multi-County Probe Busts Violent Gang Drug Network," Michael Daigle, June 2, 2012