Fourteen People Charged for Weapons Offenses and Roles in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

TRENTON — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), and the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) announced today that 14 people have been charged for various weapons offenses and their respective roles in a drug trafficking organization that sold a variety of illegal drugs in South Jersey.

Ryan Collins, 33, of Vineland, New Jersey -- described in a criminal complaint as the leader of the drug trafficking network and a self-proclaimed member of the Crips street gang – is charged with being the leader of a narcotics trafficking network, distribution of cocaine and methamphetamine, and promoting organized street crime (all 1st degree offenses). He also faces weapons offenses involving two assault firearms, a handgun, and large-capacity magazines, as well as charges stemming from the sale of fentanyl.

Thirteen co-defendants are charged with a variety of drug and weapons offenses. (See chart.) One defendant, Roger Loatman, 56, of Bridgeton, remains at large.

“These defendants are charged with dealing in the deadly combination of illegal drugs and illegal weapons,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Neither belong on our streets and in our neighborhoods. Thanks to the excellent police work with our partners, we are holding accountable those who seek to profit from flooding our communities with this contraband.”

“We allege that the leader of this ring bragged about his membership in a criminal street gang known for its violence and illegal drug trade,” said DCJ Director Theresa J. Hilton. “We are focused on finding operations like this one and dismantling them. We will hold accountable anyone who is selling drugs on our streets and enforcing their illegal trade with dangerous weapons.”

“This investigation is a testament to the relentless dedication of our law enforcement partners in dismantling criminal organizations that fuel violence and addiction in our communities,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “The individuals arrested — led by a self-proclaimed gang member — sought to flood South Jersey with dangerous, illegal drugs. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of our federal, state, and local partners, we’ve taken a major step in protecting our neighborhoods and restoring a sense of safety and security for the families who live there.”

An investigation by the New Jersey State Police, Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, Salem City Police Department, Gloucester Township Police Department, Clayton Police Department, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives revealed that since July 2024, Collins has led an organization that distributed drugs and firearms throughout Cumberland County. Collins is also a self-proclaimed member of the Crips street gang, who has allegedly bragged about his access to bulk quantities of drugs and firearms.

Collins and his associates allegedly engaged in numerous drug and firearms sales, two of which were assault firearms, all with large-capacity magazines. Collins allegedly either purchased quantities of drugs from his associates or had low level associates distribute drugs or firearms on his behalf to reduce his risk of law enforcement detection.

From July 23, 2024, to May 21, 2025, detectives seized 207 grams of crack cocaine (7.4 ounces), 1,052 grams of cocaine (37 ounces), 306 grams of fentanyl (10.9 ounces), 832 grams of methamphetamine (29.5 ounces), one privately manufactured AR-15 with one .223 round in the chamber of the firearm, along with one loaded high-capacity magazine containing .223 rounds, one Ruger PC Carbine with a 50-round drum magazine (confirmed stolen), one Springfield Armory Saint AR-15 with a 45-round .223 caliber high-capacity magazine, and one Roman/Cugir Draco- C 7 caliber firearm, loaded with 29 rounds, from Collins and his associates.

This case was investigated by Detective Jake D’Angelo and members of the New Jersey State Police’s Gangs and Organized Crime South Unit. The case will be prosecuted by Deputy Attorneys General William Holmes and Jaclyn Dowd, under the supervision of Deputy Chief Nicole Siano and Bureau Chief Cassandra Montalto.

Attorney General Platkin would like to thank the New Jersey State Police, Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, Salem City Police Department, Gloucester Township Police Department, Clayton Police Department, FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

First-degree crimes carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $200,000.

Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000.

Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

Fourth-degree offenses carry a sentence of up to 18 months in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

The charges and allegations against the defendants are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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