Prosecutor: Drug Raids Net Three Arrests in Essex County

Three Essex County residents were arrested and charged after the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force conducted a pair of raids last week.

In addition to the three arrests, the Narcotics Task Force seized a large sum of drugs, a firearm and cash.

The first of two raids occurred in the 500 block of Lincoln Avenue in Orange, where authorities seized a loaded AK-47 firearm, with two additional magazines, including one fully loaded, 3,500 packets of heroin, with a street value of $28,000, marijuana and $16,580 in cash, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

The second raid took place in the 400 block of Scotland Road, also in Orange. Detectives seized 70 grams of cocaine, worth $3,150 on the street, drug paraphernalia and $1,360 in cash, authorities said.

Raheem Garner, 37, of Orange, was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. He was transported to the Essex County Correctional Facility on $200,000 bail.

Edward McNealy, 26, of Orange, surrendered to authorities, the prosecutor’s office said. He has been charged with possession of an assault weapon, unlawful possession of hollow point bullets and possession of a high capacity magazine. Additionally, McNealy was charged with possession of heroin, distribution and distribution within 1,000 feet of Heyward Avenue School, authorities said.

McNealy was transported to the Essex County Correctional Facility on $200,000 bail, as well.

Nicole McNealy, 34, of Orange, was arrested last Wednesday and charged with possession of one deck of heroin and one baggie of marijuana. She was released.

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