A joint undercover narcotics investigation leads to the dismantling of a large organized heroin trafficking ring operated out of an Egg Harbor City apartment complex. Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor James McClain said the 7-month investigation led to the Wednesday, December 18th arrest of nine suspects and the seizure of 550 bags of heroin, two loaded handguns and ammunition, two-way radio systems, a scale and $4,500 in cash.

Arrested were Egg Harbor City residents Ernest Collier,18, Chaise Hill, 35, Steven Martinez, 19, Tyshon Nieves, 22, Jamil Highsmith, 45 and Keleen Simpson, 32. Mike Jeril, 32 of Atlantic City, April Hill, 45 of Millville and Donald Dillard, 56, also of Millville were taken into custody.

McClain said the street value of the 11 bricks of heroin seized is estimated at over $10,000.

The Investigation and warrant raid was conducted by the members of the Prosecutors Office Guns, Gangs and Narcotics Unit, the Atlantic County Emergency Response Team as well as the Egg Harbor, Galloway Township and Pleasantville Police Departments that simultaneously executed search warrants at two units in the Philadelphia Village housing complex located at 1000 Buffalo Avenue.

McClain said the public is encouraged to assist in the efforts of combating, reducing and dismantling narcotics and firearm distribution networks within the County by sharing information with law enforcement at 609-909-7800, the Egg Harbor City Police Department at 609-965-2901 or anonymously to Atlantic County Crime Stoppers at 800-658-8477.

More From 92.7 WOBM