Seven Arrested In Heroin Drug Distribution Network
NEWARK, N.J. - Brian R. Crowell, the Special Agent in Charge of the New Jersey Division of the Drug Enforcement (DEA) and Theodore J. Romankow, the Prosecutor for the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, announced the arrests of seven defendants and the seizure of approximately 250 grams of heroin.
A joint investigation by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Elizabeth Police Department and the DEA New Jersey Division culminated the arrests the sophisticated and widespread drug distribution network, announced Prosecutor Romankow.
On December 1, 2011 search warrants were simultaneously executed at 297 Branch Brook Drive, Belleville, New Jersey, and 13 Barnes Court, Perth Amboy, New Jersey. As a result of these search warrants, approximately $39,000, three motor vehicles, and approximately 250 grams of heroin with a street value of $65,000, were seized, said Romankow.
In addition to the Prosecutor’s Office, DEA, and Elizabeth Police Department, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Belleville Police Department and Belleville SWAT Team, and Perth Amboy Police Department participated in the investigation.
The arrests and seizures were the results of a two-month investigation focusing on the activities of Wendell Wilson’s heroin trafficking organization which controlled much of the heroin trade in Elizabeth, New Jersey, said Romankow. Wilson’s operation was being investigated by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office Guns, Gangs, Drugs, and Violent Crimes Task Force. The investigation revealed members of Wilson’s organization distributed heroin in throughout New Jersey, North Carolina and South Carolina.
Brian R. Crowell, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA New Jersey Division, stated “As fast as we identified these drug trafficking groups on the radar screen, the faster we team up and eliminate their criminal enterprise.”
Wilson is a high-ranking member of the East Side Mob Gang PIRU, a set of the “Bloods” criminal street gang, said Romankow.
Following the execution of the search warrant it was revealed that the Belleville address was being used as a “heroin mill,” where pure heroin is cut and packaged into glassine envelopes for street sales.
“Arrests like these provide a stark reality check on the depth and scope that drug dealers have on communities,” said Romankow. “Every agency involved in this operation is committed to continuing investigations like these, to get this poison off the streets and those who push it behind bars.”
This remains an active investigation and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
A list of those arrested appears below. Bail was set by Superior Court Judge Joseph P. Donohue.
1. Wendell Wilson, DOB: 02/03/1971
13 Barnes Court, Perth Amboy, New Jersey Bail set at $3,000,000.
Charges: Leader of a Narcotics Trafficking Network; Maintaining a Production Facility, Possession of a Controlled dangerous substance, and Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute;
2. Jameel Perrin, DOB: 04/08/1981
297 Branch Brook Drive, Belleville, New Jersey Bail set at $2,000,000
Charges: Maintaining a Production Facility, Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute, and Maintaining a Booby Trap;
3. Kareem Anderson, DOB: 07/27/1977
27 Naples Avenue, Second Floor, Belleville, New Jersey Bail set at $1,000,000
Charges: Possession of a Controlled dangerous substance, and Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute;
4. Cornell Sims, DOB: 01/14/1985
409 Jackson Avenue, Second Floor, Elizabeth, New Jersey Bail set at $1,000,000
Charges: Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, and Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute;
5. Tamir Minter, DOB: 04/16/1982
528 Adams Avenue, Elizabeth, New Jersey
Bail set at $1,000,000
Charges: Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, and Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute;
6. Edward Wood, DOB: 05/30/1983
944 Flora Street, Elizabeth, New Jersey
Bail set at $1,000,000.
Charges: Possession of a Controlled dangerous substance, and Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute; and
7. Shaniqua Sims, DOB: 06/16/1982
13 Barnes Court, Perth Amboy, New Jersey Bail set at $250,000
Charges: Financial facilitation of Criminal Activity, and Conspiracy to Distribution a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance and Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute.
These criminal charges are mere accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
