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22 Charged In Alleged Drug Ring In 3 New Jersey Counties

ASBURY PARK, N.J. (AP) — Federal authorities in New Jersey have charged 22 people with running a large-scale drug operation.

U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman says the group sold large quantities of heroin and cocaine in Asbury Park, Neptune and surrounding towns in Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex counties.

Fourteen people were arrested Thursday and seven remain at large. One suspect was already in custody.

They range in age from 25 to 48 and have nicknames like "Gotti," ''Fat Boy" and "Butter."

They are charged with conspiracy to distribute heroin, which carries a potential minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison.

Authorities used informants and intercepted cellphone conversations during the investigation. The suspects allegedly used code words and spoke in Haitian Creole to avoid detection.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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