Authorities say the leader of a drug trafficking group that operated in South Jersey and Philadelphia has been arrested.

Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael Honig made the announcement that 27-year-old Glen Long (a.k.a. "Bless") of Philadelphia made an initial appearance in Camden federal court on Friday.

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Long was charged in March with one count of conspiring to distribute crystal methamphetamine and heroin.

Honig's office says,

Using undercover agents, consensual recordings, controlled drug purchases, electronic surveillance, search warrants, and several court-authorized wiretaps, DEA special agents and task force officers conducted a months-long investigation of a drug trafficking organization led by Long. Long oversaw the organization and directed his conspirators to distribute large quantities of various types of drugs to others.

Thirteen other people have been charged for their roles in this scheme. If convicted, each of them could be sentenced to life in prison with up to a $10 million fine.

Long also faces separate drug charges in an indictment pending in Pennsylvania.

Honig says numerous law enforcement agencies have been involved in this case, including the DEA, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Marshals Service, the FBI, and several local and state police departments across New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

The public is reminded that charges and allegations are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Others cases are still pending, including some court delays amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

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