Woman, 64, Arrested on Narcotics Charges

A special unit of the Newark Police Department arrested several people this past week, including a woman in her 60s who was allegedly found in possession of more than 1,200 folds of heroin.

On Jan. 1 at approximately 9 am, members of the Fugitive Apprehension Unit responded to the area of South Orange and Littleton avenues and arrested a 43-year-old Newark resident on an outstanding warrant.  Lisa Hughes was transported to the 4th Precinct and while being processed it was discovered that she had in her possession 200 glassine envelopes containing heroin, police said.  Hughes was charged with several narcotics charges.
 
Later that morning, at approximately 11 am, in response to an anonymous narcotic activity complaint, detectives from the Fugitive Apprehension Unit responded to 352 6th Street on an anonymous complaint of drug activity.  The plainclothes detectives entered the building and allegedly saw a female holding a bag that was later found to contain 11 glassine envelopes of heroin.  The suspect, later identified as 64- year-old Newark resident Doreatha Owens, was placed under arrest.  A search of her apartment netted an additional 1,240 glassine envelopes containing heroin, police said.  Owens was transported to fugitive headquarters and was charged with various narcotics offenses.
 
On Jan. 3, members of the Fugitive Apprehension Team along with the United States Marshals Fugitive Apprehension Unit responded to 150 Orchard St. to arrest 22-year-old Lamar Shell, who was wanted for various charges from Essex and Ocean counties.  Police found the suspect in the living room and placed him under arrest.  Another resident of the apartment, later identified as 27-year-old Tieona McConnell, was seen exiting a rear bedroom which she shared with Shell.  As McConnell was being detained, officers observed the handle of a handgun protruding from a sneaker that was on the floor.  Officers recovered a loaded Smith and Wesson .38 Special.  Shell and McConnell were transported to fugitive headquarters and were charged unlawful possession of a weapon.
 
Newark Police Director Samuel DeMaio stated, “I commend the officers assigned to the Fugitive Apprehension Unit for dedication in seizing a loaded handgun and illegal narcotics with a street value of over $14,500.00 from our city streets.  Their effort in arresting these criminals continues to improve the quality of life for all that visit, work and reside in Newark.”