Authorities Take Down Major Paterson Drug Distribution Network
TOTOWA, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The streets of Paterson have become notorious as the place to go for upscale northern New Jersey suburbanites to buy drugs, 1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg reports.
In early morning raids Thursday, authorities took down a major drug dealing syndicate in the gang-infested Rosa Parks section of the city.
New Jersey Attorney General Paula Dow says a yearlong investigation into gang activity in Paterson has resulted in more than 170 arrests.
"It's another blow to criminal gangs and drug dealers unfortunately making inroads into our cities," Dow said.
1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg reports: Cops Say The Arrests Will Have A Huge Impact On Paterson's Drug Trade
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Officials said the suspects included buyers, street peddlers and a trio of alleged ring leaders.
Police also seized a dozen weapons and more than 4,000 bags of heroin, crack, marijuana and other drugs.
WCBS 880's Levon Putney With The Passaic County Prosecutor
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Prosecutors worked with the New Jersey State Police, the Passaic County Sheriff's Department and local law enforcement to target the activities of a set of the Bloods street gang called the Fruit Town Brims.
State Police Major Matt Wilson said the gang is responsible for Paterson's rise in violence, shootings and murders.
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