TRENTON, N.J. — Authorities have charged 14 individuals in connection with a major drug and weapons trafficking network operating in South Jersey, led by Ryan Collins, a 33-year-old from Vineland who identified himself as a Crips gang member. The announcement was made on July 17, 2025, by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), and the New Jersey State Police (NJSP).
The investigation, spanning July 2024 to May 2025, uncovered that Collins headed a sophisticated operation distributing cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl throughout Cumberland County. He faces multiple first-degree charges, including running a narcotics trafficking network, promoting organized street crime, and firearms violations involving assault weapons and large-capacity magazines.
Law enforcement seized a large quantity of drugs: over 1,000 grams of cocaine, 207 grams of crack cocaine, nearly 11 ounces of fentanyl, and almost 30 ounces of methamphetamine. In addition, several firearms were confiscated, including a privately made AR-15 loaded with rounds, a stolen Ruger PC Carbine with a 50-round magazine, a Springfield Armory AR-15, and a Roman/Cugir Draco-C with 29 rounds.
Collins reportedly managed the network by purchasing bulk drugs and firearms and directing associates to handle street-level sales, aiming to avoid detection by law enforcement.
Thirteen other suspects face various drug and weapons charges, while one individual, Roger Loatman, 56, from Bridgeton, remains at large. The case was developed by the NJSP Gangs and Organized Crime South Unit, led by Detective Jake D’Angelo, and is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorneys General William Holmes and Jaclyn Dowd under senior supervision.
This multi-agency investigation included support from the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, Salem City and Gloucester Township police, Clayton Police Department, FBI, and ATF.
First-degree offenses in this case carry potential sentences of 10 to 20 years in state prison, with fines up to $200,000. Authorities stress that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
