An Essex County man was sentenced to 73 months in prison for drug trafficking and firearm possession, including two assault rifles, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Alina Habba on June 10, 2025. Azmar Carter, also known as "Bizzy," from East Orange, New Jersey, had previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo to charges related to cocaine distribution and possession of firearms as a convicted felon.
The investigation into Carter began in 2021 when law enforcement agencies targeted a drug trafficking organization operating in and around Orange, New Jersey. In May and July of that year, Carter distributed cocaine to undercover officers. A search conducted on August 18, 2021, at his residence and vehicle in East Orange led to the discovery of two assault rifles, a pistol, ammunition, heroin and cocaine meant for distribution, and approximately $7,177 in cash.
In addition to the prison sentence, Carter will undergo three years of supervised release following his incarceration.
U.S. Attorney Habba acknowledged the efforts of various law enforcement agencies involved in the case. These include special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Newark Division; members of police departments from Orange, Elizabeth, East Orange, Newark; and Belleville Police Department.
This case is part of Operation Orange under the Newark Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), established in August 2017 by several federal and local entities aimed at reducing violent crime in Newark. The VCI includes collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and multiple law enforcement agencies across federal, state, county levels.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin represented the government during this case proceedings.
Defense counsel was Christopher D. Adams.
