Atlantic City Cops Dismantle Twin-Led Fentanyl Ring, Seize 39K Doses

Atlantic City police, alongside the DEA and Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office, shattered a fentanyl distribution ring led by twin brothers Joseph and Justin Suarez, both 37 of Atlantic City. The monthlong probe zeroed in on the first block of South Florida Avenue in the Ducktown section, executing search warrants at 10 residences across Atlantic County. Authorities arrested 16 suspects, including James Dimeo, 59; Howard Cubbage, 57; Safiya Braxton, 36; Maurice Braxton, 34; and Orlando Peguero-Perz, 36, accused of supplying the drugs from West New York.[1][2][3] Seizures tallied 785 bricks—equating to 39,205 wax folds of heroin laced with fentanyl stamped 'Bad Bunny,' linked to 25 overdoses and eight deaths per New Jersey State Police data. Officers also nabbed seven ounces of cocaine, four handguns including a stolen pistol and a ghost gun, ammunition, crack cocaine, suspected fentanyl pills and $86,650 in drug proceeds. The brothers face first-degree charges as leaders of a narcotics trafficking network, conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute.[1][2][3] Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds hailed the takedown, crediting advanced technology for crippling the operation that relied on stash houses and street dealers to flood local markets. Additional arrests included Arcadia Ridley, 32, of Absecon; Keith Potter, 60, of Galloway; Lydia Santana, 31; Terrea Acosta, 55; Brianna Perez, 30; Michael Howell, 35; and Malik Lyons, 22, of Egg Harbor Township. The bust underscores Atlantic City's persistent battle against opioid epidemics ravaging South Jersey communities.[2][3]