Union County Man Charged in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

NEWARK, N.J. – A Union County, New Jersey, man has been arrested for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy in which he allegedly set up a drug mill in his apartment, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.

Brad Toby, 35, of Linden, New Jersey, was arrested April 2, 2020, and charged by complaint with one count of conspiring to possess heroin and cocaine with intent to distribute. He made his initial appearance via videoconference today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer and was released on $200,000 secured bond.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Law enforcement officers have been investigating a drug trafficking organization operating in New Jersey and New York and learned that Toby is a member of that organization. During a lawful search of Toby’s residence, law enforcement officers recovered: five kilograms of heroin; four kilograms of cocaine; $100,000 in currency; drug packaging; drug paraphernalia, including scales and kilogram presses; a handgun; and ammunition.

The conspiracy charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum penalty of life in prison, and a fine of up to $10 million.     

This case is being conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.

U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito credited the special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson in Newark, and the members of the City of Linden Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Hart, with the investigation leading to today’s charges and arrest.  

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney George Brandley of the U.S. Attorney’s Office OCDETF/Narcotics Unit in Newark.

The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.