A plainclothes operation was launched in response to complaints of drug activity.
NEWARK -- A plainclothes surveillance operation led to the arrest of four city residents on drug and weapons charges Thursday, Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura said.
The Bureau of Narcotics carried out the operation at 14th Ave. and S. 16th Street in response to complaints from neighbors.
"Tony Dorch, 26, was observed making alleged illegal narcotics sales in front of the Jiminez Gabino Grocery store, located at 310 14th Avenue, at 2 p.m. today," Fontoura said. "Dorch would engage with passersby and signal to an accomplice, later identified as Devin Hawkins, 33, who was stationed at an open window of a vacant third floor apartment over the store. Hawkins would then deliver the drugs to Dorch."
Officers retrieved 21 vials and eight bags of crack cocaine, six envelopes of heroin and 22 grams of marijuana, Fontoura said.
Tywaun Hedgesteth, 34, who was allegedly loitering in the area, was arrested after he was seen adjusting a gun in his waistband."
"Hedgesteth was found to be in possession of a fully loaded, .45 caliber, Hi Point semi-automatic and 14 bags of 'crack' cocaine," Fontoura said.
A fourth suspect, Shaquan Wiley, 30, pulled up to the scene in a 2006 Toyota Corolla, authorities also said.
"Wiley exited his vehicle, opened the hood, removed a brown paper bag and stuffed items from that bag into his waistband," Fontoura said. "A search of Wiley and the bag yielded 64 vials and 10 bags of 'crack' cocaine.
The four were being held at the Essex County Jail pending arraignment.
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