An Essex County man has admitted to drug trafficking and firearm possession charges, according to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger. Azmar Carter, also known as "Bizzy," aged 32 from East Orange, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo. He was charged with distributing cocaine, possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon, and intending to distribute heroin and cocaine.
The investigation began in 2021 when law enforcement targeted a drug trafficking organization operating in Orange, New Jersey. Carter distributed cocaine to law enforcement officers in May and July of that year. A search of his residence and vehicle on August 18, 2021, revealed an AK-47 rifle, an AR rifle, a .40 caliber pistol, ammunition, heroin, cocaine, and approximately $7,177.
The drug trafficking charges could result in up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The firearm possession charge carries a potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is set for April 30, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger acknowledged the efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation leading to Carter's arrest. These included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Newark Division; the Orange Police Department; the Elizabeth Police Department; the East Orange Police Department; the Newark Police Department; and the Belleville Police Department.
This case is part of Operation Orange under the Newark Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), established by various federal and local agencies to address violent crime around Newark since August 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin represents the government in this case while Christopher D. Adams serves as defense counsel for Carter.