Newark – In an operation conducted at dawn by a law enforcement task force comprised of Essex County sheriff’s detectives and detectives from the Newark, Bloomfield and Irvington police departments, two suspects were arrested and a high-powered assault rifle and narcotics were seized
Sheriff Armando Fontoura stated that the task force executed multiple search warrants at 277 South 11th Street in the city's West Ward, in an effort to arrest Wil Smith, 32, of Newark, who has been the subject of an on-going investigation regarding drug trafficking in the area.
"Our officers entered the multi-family residence and located Smith in his first floor apartment,” Sheriff Fontoura said. “Smith was detained as his apartment was searched and during the sweep a Norico SKS 7.62 caliber Chinese made assault rifle with an extended capacity ammunition magazine was seized along with a large cache of ammunition of various calibers, and 20 glass containers of ‘crack’ cocaine."
After placing Smith under arrest, the detectives executed a search warrant for second floors apartment where they arrested Mattie Griffis, 56, who was wanted on multiple warrants for weapons possession, aggravated assault and criminal mischief.
“In the third floor apartment of Omar Henry, 33, the task force discovered 24 plastic jugs of ‘crack’ cocaine, two cocaine-filled plastic bags and $330 in U.S. currency.” Fontoura noted.
“The estimated street value of the narcotics comes in at over $1000 in U.S. Currency. The suspect was not home at the time of raid and we continue to seek his whereabouts.”
Smith was charged with the unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a dangerous controlled substance, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and illegal possession of ammo.
Smith and Griffis were transported to the Essex County Correctional Facility where he awaits a bail hearing on Friday's charges and Griffis awaits court appearances on her multiple warrants.
Earlier this week, our officers were executed a search warrant at 221 South 11th Street in Newark that resulted in the arrests of Isaiah Smith, 29, and Nahji Mayes, 23, on multiple weapons charges, including the possession of…