34 Indicted for Roles in Reputed NJ Drug Ring

Thirty-four people have been indicted for their alleged roles in a Paterson-based drug ring that had ties to a local street gang.

Among those named in the indictment handed up Tuesday by a Passaic County grand jury were the network's three alleged ringleaders — Alshaquen Nero and Tahir Canady, both of Paterson, and Shabli Williams of Old Bridge. They each face numerous drug- and weapons-related charges.

The charges stem from last summer's bust of the Fruit Town Brims, a unit of the Bloods gang. Authorities say the ring operated out of numerous apartments in Paterson's 4th Ward, selling $50,000 a week worth of heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and marijuana.

The other 31 people named in the indictment face charges that include conspiracy, drug distribution and child endangerment.