S. Jersey drug ring broken by arrests
Cocaine, cash and weapons were seized during raids in three counties. Police arrested 13 people.
More than 100 state troopers and local police officers raided six homes and three storage facilities in Burlington, Camden and Gloucester Counties yesterday, dismantling a major South Jersey drug network, officials said.
Police seized almost 10 pounds of powder cocaine valued at $110,000, 10 pounds of crack cocaine valued at $150,000 and $244,000 in cash, as well as two handguns and a shotgun.
Thirteen people were arrested, including Gary R. Maddox, 30, who was being held on $500,000 bail last night on multiple drug charges. The Washington Township resident inspired the name of the drug investigation - Operation Centerfield - because of the similarly named (but unrelated) Garry Maddox, who patrolled the outfield for the Phillies from 1972 through 1986.
"The troopers down in South Jersey are all big fans of the Phils," said Capt. Al Della Fave.
The drug investigation began 10 months ago in South Jersey and reached west to Tucson, Ariz. The cocaine had been destined for dozens of small drug dealers from Burlington County to Cape May, said Capt. Jeff Simpkins, commander of the state police for the seven southern counties.
"We're pretty sure most of this coke was going to be staying in the area, as opposed to going to Philadelphia or Camden," Simpkins said. "But of course once somebody sells a pound it's impossible to track where it goes specifically."
In Arizona, troopers and DEA agents arrested three South Jersey men who had gone to meet with a cocaine supplier. Nasser Perez, 33, of Lindenwold, Jerald Green, 40, of Atco, and Gabe Blackstone, 32, of Gloucester Township, are awaiting extradition to New Jersey.
Police made additional arrests in Atco, Blackwood, Camden, Magnolia, Pennsauken, Vineland and Voorhees.