26 Guns, Cocaine Seized in South Jersey Crime Ring Bust

Authorities arrested Rodney Rodgers, 58, of Maple Shade, on multiple weapons and drug charges.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:05pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single handgun magazine against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the confiscation of firearms from a criminal operation.A recent bust of a South Jersey crime ring exposed the ongoing threat of illegal firearms and drugs in the region.Camden Today

A two-month investigation by the Camden County Prosecutor's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) led to the arrest of Rodney Rodgers, 58, of Maple Shade, New Jersey. Rodgers was charged with 16 counts of second-degree transporting firearms for unlawful sale, 15 counts of second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and other drug and weapons offenses after officials seized 26 guns and around 26 grams of suspected cocaine from him.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to disrupt illegal gun and drug trafficking operations in the South Jersey region. The large number of firearms and quantity of drugs seized indicates the scale of the criminal enterprise, raising concerns about public safety and the flow of illicit goods into local communities.

The details

Detectives and ATF special agents were notified in December 2025 of Rodgers' alleged involvement in firearms trafficking. They then oversaw the purchase of 15 handguns, a rifle, and suspected cocaine from him. After multiple searches of properties and a vehicle associated with Rodgers, 10 additional handguns and around 26 grams of suspected cocaine were confiscated. Rodgers was arrested on February 10 by the HIDTA Task Force and ATF.

  • In December 2025, officials were notified of Rodgers' alleged involvement in firearms trafficking.
  • In February 2026, Rodgers was arrested by the HIDTA Task Force and ATF.

The players

Rodney Rodgers

A 58-year-old man from Maple Shade, New Jersey, who was arrested and charged with 16 counts of second-degree transporting firearms for unlawful sale, 15 counts of second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and other drug and weapons offenses.

Camden County Prosecutor's Office

The local law enforcement agency that led the investigation into Rodgers' alleged criminal activities.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

The federal agency that assisted the Camden County Prosecutor's Office in the investigation and arrest of Rodney Rodgers.

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What they’re saying

“This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to disrupt illegal gun and drug trafficking operations in the South Jersey region.”

— Camden County Prosecutor's Office

What’s next

Rodgers is being held at the Camden County Correctional Facility, and the case is ongoing as authorities continue to investigate the full scope of his alleged criminal activities.

The takeaway

The seizure of 26 guns and a significant quantity of cocaine in this case underscores the persistent challenge of combating the illegal flow of firearms and drugs into local communities. It also demonstrates the importance of collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in disrupting sophisticated criminal networks.