In a major blow to organized drug crime in New Jersey, law enforcement officials have charged 26 individuals allegedly connected to a violent, open-air drug market operating in Newark. The bust is part of a wider crackdown on street-level drug operations that have plagued the area for years, officials confirmed in a press release.
The alleged drug trafficking ring was led by the “Double ii – Queen Street Blood Gang,” a criminal network accused of distributing large quantities of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine along North 9th Street in Newark. Investigators say the group also ran a production facility in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where drugs were processed and packaged before street-level distribution.
Authorities revealed that the gang’s operations were not only wide-ranging but also violent. The group used intimidation and firearms to maintain control over their drug territory, making the streets unsafe for local residents.
Gang Leader Faces Racketeering and Weapons Charges
At the center of the case is 43-year-old Rabiyah Sorey of Elizabeth, alleged to be the leader of the gang. Sorey has been charged with first-degree racketeering, multiple counts of conspiracy, illegal weapons possession, and various drug offenses.
According to prosecutors, Sorey maintained control of the gang through fear and violence. One notable incident cited in the investigation occurred in April 2023, when Sorey allegedly ordered a shooting after a road rage dispute. In another case from July 2023, a woman was shot in the face over an unresolved drug debt. Both acts were allegedly carried out by Sorey’s associates and captured through surveillance footage and wiretaps.
A specific black Springfield XD 30 sub-compact handgun, believed to be used in multiple crimes, was linked to the gang during the investigation.
Seizures from the Raid
In March 2025, law enforcement agents raided Sorey’s residence in Elizabeth. During the operation, authorities seized more than 90 grams of heroin, drug packaging materials, and approximately $17,000 in cash. These items are considered key evidence in the ongoing prosecution of the suspects.
Multi-Agency Investigation
The case is the result of a long-term investigation led by the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice’s Major Threats Division. They were supported by the Newark Police Division, the New Jersey State Police, and the Elizabeth Police Department.
Officials emphasized that dismantling drug rings like this one is critical to reducing gun violence and overdose deaths across New Jersey communities. The gang’s distribution of fentanyl—an opioid significantly more potent than heroin—posed an especially serious risk to public health.
Residents Express Relief
Local residents in Newark have expressed relief following the arrests. The open-air drug market, which operated in broad daylight in some cases, had been a persistent source of fear and instability in the neighborhood.
“We’ve been living in fear,” said one resident, who asked to remain anonymous. “It’s good to see the police finally taking action and cleaning up our streets.”
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Drug Violence
New Jersey officials say this bust is part of a larger effort to dismantle violent drug trafficking organizations throughout the state. Governor Phil Murphy’s administration has prioritized combating the opioid epidemic and gun violence through increased funding for law enforcement and addiction treatment programs.
The state continues to urge anyone with information related to illegal drug activity to come forward and cooperate with local law enforcement. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the official New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety website.