Law enforcement announced a months-long investigation has led to a drug ring bust in North Jersey, in which agents recovered more than one kilo of suspected heroin and over 400 grams of fentanyl — with a combined street value of roughly $342,000.

Beginning around 5 a.m. Tuesday, over 100 law enforcement officers carried out search warrants in Jersey City, Newark, Rahway and the Bronx, New York.

At least 14 people were arrested – including an employee with the U.S. Postal Service – and police uncovered a manufacturing and distribution facility in Newark.

The 11 men and three women arrested range in age from 19 to 62.

Charles King, 48, of Jersey City has been charged with leading a narcotics trafficking network, conspiracy to distribute (fentanyl), money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Three handguns, over $70,000 cash and $500,000 worth of jewelry, suspected to be proceeds from drug deals, also were recovered.

The investigation involved the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force, the Jersey City Police Department, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, U. S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General.

Each of the following five men has been charged with a second-degree count of conspiracy to distribute (fentanyl):

- Jorge Rosario, 49, of Rahway
- Erving Carter, 50, of Jersey City
- Kenneth Muldrow, 49, of Jersey City
- Charles Taylor, 48, of Jersey City
- Terrance Grant, 33, of Jersey City

Ronderence Pinckney, 50, of Jersey City, faced a host of charges, including conspiracy to distribute (fentanyl), conspiracy to commit money laundering and drug possession (heroin).

He also was charged with possession with the intent to distribute (heroin), possession with the intent to distribute (heroin) within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent to distribute, two counts of possession of a weapon and a controlled dangerous substance, two counts of certain persons not to possess a weapon and receiving stolen property (firearm).

Marlon Wells, 49, of Jersey City, was charged with conspiracy to distribute (fentanyl), as well as two counts of possession with the intent to distribute (heroin) and possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent to distribute.

Joseph Williams, 59, of Jersey City, was charged with conspiracy to distribute (fentanyl), possession with the intent to distribute (heroin) and possession with the intent to distribute (heroin) within 1,000 feet of a school.

Martin Adorno, 45, of the Bronx, was charged with conspiracy to distribute (fentanyl) and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Kharheim Crawford, 49, of Jersey City, was charged with possession (heroin) and possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent to distribute.

Lois Hill, 62, of Jersey City, was charged with possession with the intent to distribute
(heroin) and possession with the intent to distribute (heroin) within 1,000 feet of a school.

Tamika Hill, 46, of Jersey City, was charged with money laundering.

Jada Carter, 19, of Jersey City, was charged with obstruction.

“Charles King and his crew’s alleged schemes to distribute fentanyl throughout New Jersey were fueled by plain greed – a desire to enrich themselves with jewelry, cash, guns, and cars – all at the expense of the community who is left to shoulder the burdens brought on by organized drug trade,” Jason Molina, special agent in charge of HSI Newark said in a written statement.

“These arrests are the result of multiple law enforcement agencies working collaboratively with the goal of dismantling a high level and dangerous drug operation,” Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said in the same joint release.

Additional arrests and charges were pending as of Wednesday evening, according to Suarez.

Erin Vogt is a reporter and anchor for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach her at erin.vogt@townsquaremedia.com

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These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.
If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions:

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