For Immediate Release: January 3, 2023.

On January 1 and January 2, 2023, separate surveillance operations in the 1700 block of Atlantic Avenue resulted in officers of the Atlantic City Police Department’s patrol division arresting three individuals and recovering drugs. The surveillance operations were in response to complaints from the public and local business owners concerning illegal narcotics distribution and quality of life issues throughout the block.  

On January 1, 2023, at 4:49 PM, Officers Ivaylo Ivanov and Wahab Malik observed several individuals engage in a suspected narcotics transaction in the 1700 block of Atlantic Avenue. One male, Taquan Callaway, was subsequently stopped by the officers and found to be in possession of approximately 31 grams of suspected heroin, 12.5 grams of suspected crack cocaine, various prescription pills, and a digital scale commonly used to weigh narcotics. Callaway was placed in custody without incident. Officers also seized $1,285 in US currency believed to be proceeds of narcotics sales.

ARRESTED: Taquan Callaway, 27, of Atlantic City.

CHARGES: Possession of CDS (3 counts), possession of CDS with intent to distribute (2 counts), possession with the intent to distribute CDS within 500 feet of a public park, and possession of CDS paraphernalia.

Callaway was released on a summons pending a future court date. 

On January 2, 2023, at 8:09 PM, Officers Ivaylo Ivanov and Wahab Malik were again conducting surveillance in the 1700 block of Atlantic Avenue when they observed two individuals engage in a suspected narcotics transaction inside a convenience store. As the officers approached the store, Ricky Gilliard, began to exit. Gilliard observed the officers and immediately began to run. A foot pursuit ensued and Gilliard was observed throwing a fanny pack to the ground. Officers quickly apprehended Gillard a short distance away and placed him in custody. The recovered fanny pack contained 17 grams of suspected crack cocaine and 4 grams of suspected heroin. Responding officers also apprehended the other individual, Cynthia Ortiz, and placed her in custody without incident.

ARRESTED: Ricky Gilliard, 24, of Atlantic City.

CHARGES: Possession of CDS (2 counts), possession of CDS with intent to distribute (2 counts), possession with the intent to distribute within 500 feet of a public park, and resisting arrest.

Arrested: Cynthia Ortiz, 51, of Atlantic City.

CHARGES: Possession of CDS.

Gillard was remanded to the Atlantic County Justice Facility. Ortiz was released on a summons pending a future court date. The public is reminded that charges are mere allegations, and the accused are considered innocent until proven guilty.  

Anyone with information about the distribution of narcotics is urged to contact the Atlantic City Police Department’s Special Investigations Section at 609-347-5858 or text anonymously to tip411 (847411). Begin the text with ACPD.

Alert sent on 01/03/2023 at 12:16PM EST

To submit a tip via text message text ACPD and your tip to 847411

Alert delivered to the following groups: Atlantic City PD, Business Alerts, Press Releases, Westside Civic Association, Westside Homeowners Protective Association, Tanger Outlet, Chelsea Neighborhood Civic Association, Venice Park Civic Association, Marina District, Stanley Homes Village, First Ward Civic Association, Carver Hall, Chelsea Heights, Bungalow Park Civic Association, The Cove Condo Association, CRDA, Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, Security Directors , City Adminstration, Communications, and Atlantic City Boardwalk Committee

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