Essex County prosecutors said they successfully penetrated a drug ring Friday involving the illegal sale of prescription drugs.

According to prosecutors, Medicaid patients who had legitimate prescriptions for painkillers, such as Oxycontin, would sell their pills to one of the suspects for either cash or heroin. Authorities say the sales would occur on Broad Street and Branford Place. According to prosecutors, the pills would eventually be sold to a dealer at a huge profit.

Five men from East Orange and Newark were arrested in connection with the ring. Authorities say two suspects, alleged ringleader Maurice Gaskins and Kassan Bellamy, are still on the loose.

Related Information: Essex County Prosecutors - (973) 274-2855