Two men who admitted leading roles in an Atlantic County drug-trafficking ring were sentenced to prison Friday.
Ameer Stephens and Diaab Siddiq previously pleaded guilty in the heroin and cocaine case that resulted in the seizure of more than a half-million dollars’ worth of drugs, including deadly fentanyl.
Forty-one people were charged in the case.
Stephens, 38, of Galloway Township, was sentenced to 24 years in prison on charges of leading a drug-trafficking network and possession of a handgun by a convicted person.
He must serve at least 10½ years before he is eligible for parole.
Siddiq, 50, of Atlantic City, was sentenced to 12 years on charges of first-degree production facility, along with second-degree charges of possession of heroin with intent to distribute and possession of a handgun by a convicted person. He also pleaded guilty to a third-degree charged of money laundering.
Siddiq, also known as Marshall Davis, must serve eight years before he is eligible for parole.
Stephens was arrested on July 7, 2016, when a multi-agency investigation led to 19 search warrants for residences and commercial properties in Atlantic City, Galloway Township, Egg Harbor Township, Hamilton Township, Hammonton and Pleasantville.
Investigators seized 12,225 bags of heroin, about 8 ounces of raw, unpackaged heroin, 8 ounces of suspected fentanyl, and about 2 pounds of cocaine.
Prior investigations connected to the drug raid yielded additional drugs, cash and weapons.
Seizures included 11 vehicles, six handguns and $155,000 in cash.
The investigation was part of a joint investigation between the Atlantic City Police Department, Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, FBI and New Jersey State Police.
Stephens bailed out in September 2016, but was arrested again March 7, 2017, after an additional kilogram of heroin and an illegal handgun were found in his truck, which was seized during a traffic stop.
He was then detained under the then-new bail reform.
