Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced today that 26 individuals have been charged with alleged involvement in a drug gang operating in Newark. The group is accused of using violence and intimidation to maintain an open-air drug market.
Rabiyah Sorey, 43, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, is alleged to be the leader of the "Double ii – Queen Street Blood Gang" (Double ii). Sorey faces multiple charges, including racketeering, conspiracy, weapons offenses, assaults, and drug offenses. Other gang members allegedly held various roles such as supervisors, advisors, drug distributors, and enforcers.
"Illegal drug trafficking continues to impact the lives of New Jerseyans, and gangs like the one described in today’s criminal complaints seek to profit from the sale of these potentially fatal drugs," said Attorney General Platkin. "This particular drug enterprise is charged with routinely engaging in violence for the sake of intimidating others, maintaining gang discipline, and controlling their territory. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect our cities and towns from these criminal organizations."
The DCJ’s Theresa L. Hilton remarked, "The defendants in this case are charged with running an organized, brazen drug trafficking network that operated out in the open in a Newark neighborhood. Having this kind of activity, and the violence and danger that go along with it, is intolerable. Everyone should expect to be safe in their own neighborhoods – dismantling networks like this is one way to achieve that."
Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr. expressed appreciation for the cooperation with Attorney General Platkin's office. "This impressive list of charges, levied against 26 gang members who blatantly conducted an illicit drug operation aimed at destroying Newark families through violence and addiction, is both appropriate and significant. We trust that it sends a clear message to anyone who mistakenly believes that Newark is a gravy train for their criminal activities."
Charging documents detail that Sorey allegedly led Double ii from the "Newark Set" on North 9th Street. The operation involved distributing heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, as well as acts of violence against members and rivals.
Several alleged violent incidents are associated with Double ii members, including a shooting in Irvington, New Jersey, and a woman's injury in Newark. Additionally, Sorey allegedly used a firearm in various incidents captured by surveillance and wiretaps.
Investigators found evidence linking Sorey to narcotics and firearms distribution. A search warrant executed at Sorey and Nicole Jones’ residence led to the recovery of heroin, cash, and drug packaging materials. The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the DCJ, Newark Police Department, and Elizabeth Police Department.
The charges against all defendants remain accusations, and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
