Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
Nearly two weeks ago, authorities charged 22 people in a drug bust said to involve the sale of crack, cocaine, and heroin in one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S., Camden, New Jersey. According to an article at Philly.com, the drug bust involved mothers, sisters, cousins, and sons, with the sale of illicit drugs reaching into Sicklerville, Lindenwold, and Gloucester City.
Authorities had been investigating the possible sale of drugs on Liberty and Sheridan Streets in Camden, an area notorious for crime, for three years, launching what they referred to as the biggest FBI drug take-down in the area in 10 years. Using hidden tracking devices on vehicles, wiretaps, and confidential informants, those involved in the investigation including not only the FBI but the New Jersey State Police , Prosecutor’s Office, and Camden County Police Department Metro Division were able to charge 22 individuals in the drug crimes. Whitman Park is where much of the drug activity occurred, an area where 12 homicides have taken place since 2012.
Those identified as the ‘leaders’ in the drug ring include 33-year-old Jerome Ramos, 33-year-old Efraim Rivera, and 38-year-old Raymond Roldan. Some of the people arrested faced charges including conspiracy to distribute crack in amounts of more than 280 grams. According to news reports, Ramos’ group on Sheridan and surrounding streets raked in $1,800 per day. When investigators arrived on the scene as residents were sleeping, four residences were searched after shutting down three blocks to find the suspects.
Authorities are now hoping that the rebuilding of Whitman Park can begin, even though they admit that the arrests are just the beginning and that hopefully the arrests would deter others from manufacturing and trafficking drugs. As special agent in charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia division stated, “You can’t arrest your way out of a problem.”
Drug crime attorneys in Michigan know that individuals who are found guilty of manufacturing illegal drugs and narcotics or selling/distributing those substances will face serious criminal penalties. Drug dealing is a serious problem in our country; penalties become more severe as lawmakers attempt to crack down on those who manufacture and/or distribute heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and even prescription drugs such as Oxycodone or Vicodin.
Individuals who are convicted may face jail/prison time, fines, driver’s license suspension, probation, drug counseling, and more depending on the type and amount of drug in question, whether the individual has a prior criminal history, and other factors. A conviction will also impact the accused individual’s reputation, career, and other aspects of his or her life.
If you or someone you know has been accused of drug trafficking, possession, or any criminal offense involving illegal drugs, contact a capable and aggressive drug crime defense lawyer immediately for effective legal guidance and support.