29 suspected Bloods gang members arrested in Monmouth County bust

FREEHOLD — Nearly three dozen suspected members of the Bloods street gang were arrested by the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office.

A nine-month investigation called "Operation Lights Out" was started when shootings on the streets of Asbury Park, Long Branch, and Neptune began to increase, according to prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni. He believed the incidents were connected to the Bloods' G-Shine set.

The 29 members of the set face charges ranging from racketeering, distribution of narcotics, conspiracy to distribute and/or possession of narcotics, unlawful possession of handguns, and unlawful transfer or sale of firearms.

During arrests made last week, police found members with two semi-automatic handguns (.40 and .380 caliber), over 200 grams of cocaine, 35 bricks of heroin, approximately $14,000 in cash, and three vehicles. Gramiccioni announced the arrests on Tuesday night.

Gramiccioni called it a "criminal enterprise" that distributed approximately 150-200 grams of powder and crack cocaine a week, with an estimated street value of $225,000, and approximately 250 packets of heroin per week, with an estimated street value of $22,500.

"Our objective is to continue to do all that we can to make the streets of Monmouth County safe for everyone," Gramiccioni said. "Dismantling entrenched criminal enterprises that peddle drugs, unlawfully possess and transfer firearms and inflict violence, remains our priority. We had great support from our law enforcement partners throughout the county and we collectively share this same goal."

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at dan.alexander@townsquaremedia.com.

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