Arrests made for drug charges, active warrants
NEWARK -- Twenty-four people were arrested as part of a three day operation that focused on quality-of-life offenses and other crimes in sections of the city, law enforcement officials said Saturday.
The latest effort concluded Saturday and targeted areas of Orange Street to Springdale Avenue, and from North 5th to North 13th streets, Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose and Police Chief Darnell Henry announced in a statement.
Based on an analysis of complaints about quality-of-life and crime issues, police selected areas to focus, officials said. The operation involved multiple phases, including a roundup of people with outstanding warrants and undercover officers seeking known gang members in the area.
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Other phases of the effort involved a combination of undercover officers and visible patrols to enforce quality-of-life crimes, address traffic issues, and deter crime, according to officials.
"I am keeping my promise to address crime and improve the quality of life in our neighborhood by making them safer," Ambrose said. "We are a city that identifies problems and takes corrective actions. We are helping to reduce the undesirable elements that have stigmatized Newark [for] too long."
Many of the arrests were made for drug dealing and possession of narcotics along with active warrants, police said. The arrests netted 240 vials of cocaine, 188 packets of heroin and $4,500 in seized cash. Officers also made 100 traffic stops and issued 200 tickets, according to authorities.
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City police have taken on a series of similar operations in recent weeks targeting specific neighborhoods. Ambrose said the focused enforcement efforts were in the fourth week and would continue around the city.
Ambrose asked residents to report quality of life and crime complaints to the city's tip line at 877-NWK-TIPS (877 695-8477) or NWK-GUNS (877-695-4867). Police said all anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could lead to a reward.
Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.