NJ Drug, Gun Runner Stung In Undercover Operation Faces Judge

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — A Passaic County man who ran guns and drugs across North Jersey has learned his fate in court, authorities say.

Rahameen Newkirk, 46, of Paterson, previously pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession, one count of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute cocaine base, and one count of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl.

During the course of a "lengthy investigation" into Newkirk, undercover police bought three AR-style rifles, as well as fentanyl and cocaine base from him.

Newkirk's prior drug charge convictions qualified him as a “career offender," which officials say significantly increased his sentence exposure.

On Wednesday, Newkirk was sentenced to eight years in prison for his crimes.

The takedown was part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal initiative to bring together all levels of law enforcement and their communities.