Prosecutors: 8 accused of roles in heroin trafficking ring

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- Eight people face charges for their alleged roles in a drug trafficking organization in New Jersey.

Federal prosecutors say each defendant is charged with conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Five of the eight defendants were arrested Wednesday morning and were due to appear in court later in the day.

Prosecutors say the ring obtained heroin from Essex County in northern Jersey and supplied it to communities in central Jersey. They say it had been operating since October 2014 and used stash houses and other temporary locations to package, store and distribute the drugs.

Authorities say the ring enriched a local street gang known as the "Bounty Hunter Bloods."

Each defendant would face five to 40 years in prison if they are convicted on the conspiracy charge.
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