Newark Police officials are reporting the arrest of Mr. Saladeen Sears, 34, of Newark, after officers allegedly seized three loaded handguns, 799 decks of heroin and 259 jugs of cocaine from his home and car following the execution of a search warrant.
Police say in response to quality of life complaints and drug sales, detectives assigned to the Criminal Intelligence Unit have been undertaking ongoing citywide operations aimed at removing guns and drugs from our city streets.
According to police, based on intelligence gathered through controlled buys and other evidence, detectives were able to secure a search warrant for a home in the 100 block of Evergreen Place that they said belonged to Sears. Police say they also searched his vehicle for evidence of drugs and weapons.
In a statement released by police officials, police say at approximately 6:30 a.m., Intel detectives executed the search warrant where they seized a loaded .380 caliber handgun, a loaded .38 revolver, a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun, 799 decks of heroin, 259 jugs of cocaine and drug proceeds of over 4,400 dollars.
Police charged Sears with three counts each of unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a handgun during CDS offenses. Authorities also charged him with certain persons prohibited from possessing a firearm, possession of hollow point bullets, two counts each of possession of CDS within 500 feet of public housing and possession of CDS with the intent to distribute and receiving stolen property – one gun reported stolen.
Director Ambrose said, “This arrest was the result of a search warrant issued due to the collaborative effort between the police division officers and the community. We realize that we can’t do it alone and that the valuable tips we received helped us to remove three guns, drugs and a dangerous criminal from our city streets.”
These charges are merely accusations. Each suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Director Ambrose urges anyone with information about this incident or any other crime to call the Department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or 1-877-NWK-GUNS (1-877-695-4867).
All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.