October 4, 2007
For further Information Contact:
Special Agent Douglas S. Collier,
Public Information Officer
TEL: (973) 776-1143
CEL: (862) 849-9833
Ten Arrested In New Jersey On Drugs and Weapons Charges Including Member Of The Latin Kings
OCT 4  -- (NEWARK) - Gerard P. McAleer, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA New Jersey Division and Monmouth County Prosecutor Luis A. Valentin, announced that commencing on Tuesday, September 25, 2007 and continuing on Friday, September 28, 2007, personnel from the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office's Narcotics Strike Force and Gang Investigations Unit arrested 10 individuals, including a member of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation, on charges including drug distribution and weapons offenses committed throughout Monmouth County, New Jersey. The arrests were made with the assistance of the New Jersey State Police, Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office, Long Branch Police Department, Neptune Township Police Department and Asbury Park Police Department.
Gerard P. McAleer Special Agent in Charge, stated "This operation is yet another example our combined federal, state, county, and local efforts to remove violent gang and drug traffickers from wherever they pursue their trade, and to make the community a safer place."
Prosecutor Luis A. Valentin stated "These arrests demonstrate the commitment of all law enforcement agencies to work cooperatively to investigate and prosecute gang and drug related offenses in our communities. We will always utilize our federal, state, county and local law enforcement partners to identify street gang members and to halt their criminal activity. All of the participating law enforcement agencies are commended for their strong support of this valuable partnership. We can achieve so much more by working together instead of working independently."
The arrests were the culmination of a cooperative investigation involving numerous law enforcement agencies during which approximately 15 pounds of cocaine, with an estimated street value of approximately $500,000, were seized, as well as significant quantities of heroin and marijuana. In addition, several handguns, hollow-point bullets, bulletproof vests, drug paraphernalia and thousands of dollars in U.S. currency were also seized.
The individuals who were arrested include the following: