15 accused of roles in Newark heroin ring

Federal authorities have made arrests stemming from what prosecutors say was a drug ring that sold millions of dollars in heroin for years just steps away from a high school and playground.

Authorities are charging 15 people with conspiracy to distribute heroin. Two of them also are accused of being ring leaders and are charged with engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise.

Officials say the ring made between $4 million and $7 million a year.

Officials say the ring operated out of a building on Johnson Avenue in Newark. The dead-end street made it difficult for law enforcement because lookouts were paid to alert the suspects.

Authorities say residents kept their doors unlocked so dealers could run through the building and exit by fire escapes.

Six suspects remain at large.

(Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

(Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)