77°
Most of the alleged cocaine and heroin deals occurred in Union and Middlesex counties, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone.
The sting was called "Operation Price Is Right." More than 20 warranted searches resulted in the recovery of over two kilograms of suspected cocaine, over one kilogram of suspected heroin, approximately 149 grams of fentanyl, 70 grams of Oxycodone, one loaded Smith and Wesson revolver and over $120,000 in suspected drug proceeds, the prosecutor said.
"The seizures prevented tens of thousands of doses of dangerous drugs from reaching the hands of individuals suffering from addiction," Ciccone said.
On March 15, Terrence Barker, 37, of Edison was arrested and charged with at least a dozen offenses including first-degree leader of a narcotics trafficking network, first-degree promoting organized street crime, first-degree distribution of heroin, first-degree distribution of Cocaine, first-degree maintaining a narcotics production facility, second-degree conspiracy to distribute cocaine, first-degree possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, third-degree financial facilitation of criminal activity, second-degree eluding, second-degree aggravated assault while eluding, third-degree aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, and second-degree endangering the welfare of children, according to Ciccone.
Others charged along with Barker, were: Jermaine Pennant, 36, of Plainfield; Henry Alvin II, 35, of Plainfield; Rukaiyah Green, 31, of Edison; Shawn Heyward, 32, of Piscataway; Brianna Thompson, 27, of Springfield; Francois Skyers, 33, of South Plainfield; Larry Lowery, 31, of Plainfield; Michael Lowery, 36, of Dunellen; Umoja Fortney, 25, of Piscataway; and Cheyenne Floyd, 28, of Springfield.
All 10 were charged with various drug distribution-related offenses, Ciccone said.
The investigation conducted by the Narcotics Task Force of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office in conjunction with the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, the Edison and Piscataway Police Departments resulted in the execution of more than 20 search warrants across Middlesex and Union counties.
As authorities attempted to take Barker into custody, Barker allegedly rammed his vehicle into an Edison police vehicle, causing bodily injury to an officer, Ciccone said.
The officer was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital.
Barker, Alvin and Michael Lowery were detained after a detention hearing in the Middlesex County Superior Court on Tuesday.
Larry Lowery and Jermaine Pennant remain fugitives and have not been arrested, Ciccone said.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is urged to call Sergeant Erik Larsen of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-5977.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Franklin Township and receive free news updates.
