Three people were detained after a drug investigation in Newton when investigators spotted a suspected hand-to-hand drug transaction in a parking lot on Sparta Avenue, according to police.
The investigation was undertaken by members of the Newton Police Department’s Detective Bureau and the Sussex County Gangs, Guns, and Narcotics Task Force, and the arrests occurred on June 26.
Bryant Taft, 48, of Paterson; Gina Thornton, 38, of Vernon; and Kiyanna Duncan, 36, of Newark, were the three people apprehended by police.
Police said they observed a potential hand-to-hand narcotics transaction before arresting the three people. Police say suspected cocaine was discovered during the inquiry.
Taft faced charges of making, distributing, or administering a controlled hazardous substance, possessing a controlled dangerous substance, and conspiring to distribute a controlled dangerous substance.
Thornton was charged with creating, distributing, or administering a controlled hazardous substance, possessing a controlled dangerous substance, and endangering the welfare of a child.
Duncan was charged with making, distributing, or administering a controlled dangerous substance, as well as criminal culpability for the actions of others.
Taft and Thornton were detained at the Morris County Correctional Facility while awaiting court proceedings, according to authorities. Duncan was released on a summons pending a future court appearance under New Jersey’s criminal justice reform procedures.
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