NEWARK, NJ — Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose have announced that detectives seized large quantities of narcotics and numerous firearms during raids in Newark on Friday, Dec. 7. Detectives from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force, which includes detectives from the Newark Police Department, have been conducting an investigation into reports of narcotics distribution at apartments at 37 Winans Ave. and 22 Seymour Ave. As a result of this investigation, detectives obtained search warrants for both locations. Task Force detectives, with assistance from the Newark Police Emergency Response Team, executed the warrants simultaneously the morning of Dec. 7.
At 37 Winans Ave., detectives seized more than 1,000 grams of marijuana, which has a street value of more than $10,000 and an assault firearm. Detectives also recovered more than $8,000 in U.S. currency from the apartment. During this raid, detectives arrested Dwight Shelton, 30, of Newark. Shelton has been charged with possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, possession with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of an assault firearm and possession of a firearm while committing a narcotics offense.
At 22 Seymour Ave., detectives seized approximately 2,700 grams of heroin, worth more than $500,000; approximately 1,900 grams of cocaine, worth approximately $85,000; and more than 2,000 grams of marijuana, worth approximately $23,000. Detectives also seized more than 200 opioid pain pills, worth more than $4000. During the raid, detectives also located and seized an assault rifle and three handguns. Detectives arrested two individuals during the raid on Seymour Avenue. Akeam Johnson, 33, and Orville Powell, both of Newark, have been charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with the intent to distribute, possession with the intent to distribute within a 1,000 feet of a school and possession with intent to distribute within 500 feet of public property. Powell and Johnson are also charged with possession of an assault firearm, possession of a firearm during a narcotics offense and possession of an extended magazine.
Shelton, Johnson and Powell have all been lodged in the Essex County Correctional Facility pending appearances in the Essex County Central Judicial Processing Court.
Stephens praised the work of the detectives and assistant prosecutors involved in this investigation and noted that this case is an example of successful collaboration of different law enforcement agencies working together. Ambrose also commended the work of the Newark and prosecutor’s detectives, adding that the agencies will continue to work together to end narcotics trafficking and improve the quality of life for Newark residents.
The charges against these defendants are merely accusations; they are presumed innocent unless or until they are found guilty in a court of law.
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