New Jersey Criminal Defense Blog

After a nine-month investigation called “Operation Orange Crush” that involved multiple agencies, 34 gang members have been arrested for several drug offenses and weapons violations. According to an nj.com report, Essex County is the location where the alleged gang members of the Brick City Brim Bloods and the MOB Piru set of Bloods participated in dealing drugs. Authorities discovered and confiscated 41 grams of marijuana, 153 grams of heroin, and more than 1,900 glassine envelopes of heroin; all amounting to over $30,000 in value. In addition, a sawed-off shotgun, five handguns, and an assault rifle were found by law enforcement.

Criminal offenses that relate to drug possession and sale carry serious consequences. If you’ve been charged with a drug crime, the severity of penalties held against you will greatly depend on the type of drug you are accused of possessing or selling, as well as the amount of those particular drugs. In this specific case, many of the individuals arrested in Essex County may face lengthier jail sentences and increased fines due to weapons being involved. Also, the article mentioned that 22 of those arrested have a history of violence on their record, which may also contribute to steeper penalties.