NJ State Police and DEA Clamp Down on Jamaican-based Cocaine Ring in Cherry Hill NJ
Operation Next Day Air, a massive investigation into a Jamaican-based drug ring, resulted in the arrests of nine (9) people, including six (6) New Jersey residents.
According to authorities, the drug ring shipped cocaine from California to New Jersey, sending large quantities of the drug across the country to Cherry Hill NJ resident Marsha Bernard. Ms. Bernard allegedly received shipments and coordinated distribution to traffickers in the state.
According to authorities, the operation was run by Jamaican resident Andrew Davis. Authorities believe that Ms. Bernard sent the proceeds from drug sales back to Mr. Davis in Kingston, Jamaica.
The operation was uncovered by police in 2011 when Camden NJ detectives seized a shipment. According to the NJ State Police superintendent, the investigation “gradually uncovered a complicated puzzle of money and drugs.”
Police recovered more than 26 kilograms of cocaine worth almost $800,000.00. Police also seized two (2) handguns and more than $600,000.00 in cash. It is believed that those figures represent only a small fraction of what the operation was trafficking into New Jersey.
The investigation was a coordinated effort between the NJ State Police and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The suspects have been charged with several drug-related offenses, including cocaine distribution, money laundering, and conspiracy. The NJ Attorney General’s Office will be prosecuting those arrested.
To learn more, check out the NJ.com article entitled “‘You’ve Got Mail’: N.J. State Police Dismantle Jamaican-based Cocaine Shipping Ring.“