On Nov. 17, several people in New Jersey were arrested for their alleged involvement in heroin distribution throughout the area. The arrests were the result of a series of raids that were initiated on Nov. 14. The 32-year-old man who is alleged to be the leader of the drug organization now faces charges that include maintaining a drug facility, conspiracy, racketeering, lesser drug offenses and possession of heroin with intent to distribute.
Police claim to have recovered more than 4,300 bundles of heroin, totaling an approximate street value of $3 million. The alleged leader of the organization is accused of operating at least two heroin mills in Linden. The other people accused of being involved with the mills now face charges that include maintaining a drug facility, drug possession and racketeering. The raids and arrests were the result of a month-long operation referred to as "Operation Silver Bullet." Federal authorities and the prosecutor's office collaborated on this joint investigation.
Law enforcement officials claim the heroin mills were supplying wholesale amounts of narcotics to people in several counties throughout the state and in cities outside the state as well. Local reports claim that there was a total of more than 1,400 bricks of processed heroin, 2,300 grams of raw heroin and heroin in over 13,000 loose bags confiscated in the raid. During the search and seizure, police also recovered a customized SUV, firearms, ammunition and drug manufacturing equipment.
People accused of committing a heroin offense or other serious charges typically benefit from consulting a criminal defense lawyer. Legal counsel may be effective in protecting the rights of the accused while investigating the credibility of the charges. Lawyers might be able to get the case dismissed or the charges reduced if there's been some sort of egregious error committed by the investigating officers or the prosecution's office.
Source: New Jersey 101.5, "8 charged following raids on alleged NJ heroin mills", November 17, 2014