Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, alongside the Division of Criminal Justice and the New Jersey State Police, announced charges against 14 individuals for weapons offenses and roles in a drug trafficking organization in South Jersey.
Ryan Collins, 33, from Vineland, New Jersey, is identified as the leader of this network. He faces charges related to leading a narcotics trafficking network, distribution of cocaine and methamphetamine, promoting organized street crime, and various weapons offenses involving assault firearms and large-capacity magazines. Additionally, he is charged with fentanyl sales.
Thirteen co-defendants face various drug and weapons charges. One defendant, Roger Loatman from Bridgeton, remains at large.
“These defendants are charged with dealing in the deadly combination of illegal drugs and illegal weapons,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Neither belong on our streets and in our neighborhoods.”
DCJ Director Theresa J. Hilton emphasized their focus on dismantling such operations: “We will hold accountable anyone who is selling drugs on our streets.”
Colonel Patrick J. Callahan praised law enforcement's efforts: “Thanks to the collaborative efforts of our federal, state, and local partners... we’ve taken a major step in protecting our neighborhoods.”
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It revealed that since July 2024 Collins led an organization distributing drugs and firearms throughout Cumberland County.
Detectives seized significant quantities of drugs including crack cocaine, cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine along with several firearms during their operation.
The case was investigated by Detective Jake D’Angelo with prosecution by Deputy Attorneys General William Holmes and Jaclyn Dowd under supervision.
Attorney General Platkin thanked all involved agencies for their cooperation.
First-degree crimes can result in 10 to 20 years imprisonment with fines up to $200,000; second-degree charges carry five to 10 years imprisonment; third-degree charges entail three to five years; fourth-degree offenses carry up to 18 months imprisonment.
The accused remain innocent until proven guilty in court.
