Jersey City Police Arrested Three in Drug Bust
Three women were taken into custody following a police operation that recovered handguns and narcotics on Storms Avenue.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Drug Crime
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The Jersey City Police Department arrested three women on Storms Avenue after an operation uncovered multiple firearms and illegal drugs. The search yielded handguns, hollow-point bullets, and supplies of heroin and crack cocaine.
Why it matters
The operation targeted an area reportedly plagued by open-air drug transactions, highlighting ongoing efforts by local authorities to curb distribution near sensitive community locations.
Carmen Figueroa, 70, faces charges including unlawful weapon possession and possession by a felon. Anita Alfred and Melissa Rivera, both 45, were charged with drug possession, with Rivera also facing four counts of bail jumping.
The players
Jersey City Police Department Street Crimes Unit
This specialized division of the local law enforcement agency is tasked with investigating street-level criminal activity.
Carmen Figueroa
The 70-year-old suspect faces multiple felony charges related to illegal weapon possession and drug distribution.
Anita Alfred
The 45-year-old suspect was taken into custody on charges of drug possession and bail jumping.
Melissa Rivera
The 45-year-old suspect faces drug possession charges alongside four separate counts of bail jumping.
The details
The Jersey City Police Department Street Crimes Unit initiated the raid after surveillance identified reports of illicit drug sales occurring near a school and public housing complex. Authorities confiscated prohibited ammunition alongside the two handguns discovered during the search.
Timeline
Jersey City police conducted the operation on the night of September 22, 2026, at 9 p.m.
Legal Context
This case reflects the strict application of New Jersey's school zone drug distribution statutes which mandate increased oversight and penalties in protected areas. Prosecutors frequently pursue these charges to deter open-air drug activity near residential and educational hubs.
Residents near Storms Avenue may notice an increased police presence as the department continues to monitor the area for illicit activity. The arrests are part of an effort to improve safety for local students and families living in nearby public housing.
The takeaway
Local law enforcement continues to focus on clearing open-air drug markets that impact the safety of schools and housing complexes. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to authorities to assist in maintaining neighborhood security.
Further reading
For more information on regional enforcement efforts, see Drug Crime.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News 12 - New Jersey.
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