A male suspect was arrested on weapons and drugs charges late Wednesday afternoon by Essex County sheriff's officers. During the arrest, an illegal 'ghost gun' and 64 ounces of liquid opioids were recovered.
"The suspect Mr. Naazir McDougald of Newark was observed driving a 2022 Alfa Romeo SUV erratically in the area of South 15th Street and 9th Avenue," Sheriff Armando Fontoura said.
"McDougald was followed to 280 Bergen Street where he parked the vehicle, displaying a temporary license tag, in the driveway."
The suspect told the officers that the car was a rental but McDougald could not produce a valid rental agreement, vehicle registration or insurance papers.
"The suspect, clearly nervous, was directed to check the car for the missing paperwork," Fontoura noted.
"Upon opening the glove compartment, our officers spotted a 9mm handgun. The vehicle's center console yielded four bottles, containing 64 ounces of liquid opioids."
McDougald was ordered out of the car, attempted to flee the scene and was placed in handcuffs.
A closer examination of the weapon revealed that it was a 'ghost gun.'
"Ghost guns have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially in jurisdictions like New Jersey where gun control regulations make it difficult for ordinary residents to obtain guns legally,“ the sheriff added.
"Ghost guns are not serialized and untraceable firearms that can be bought online in pieces and assembled at home, much like you would with a model airplane or a bird feeder.
Ghost guns are cheap, easy to assemble and you don't have to go through any background check."
McDougald was charged with possession of a firearm without permit, possession of a large capacity ammunition magazine, possession of any hollow nose bullets possession of a firearm while attempting to distribute CDS, distributing prescription drugs, possession of CDS with intent to distribute, possession of CDS with intent to distribute within 500ft. of a public park, possession of CDS with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a public school and resisting arrest by force.
McDougald was lodged at the county jail where he awaits a bail hearing.