Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia Valdes, along with several police chiefs, announced that 23 individuals have been charged with different offenses related to controlled dangerous substances. The charges were a result of an investigation that commenced in May last year.
Law enforcement officials in Wayne and Pompton Lakes initiated an investigation after receiving multiple complaints about the sale of cocaine in the local area, according to Valdes. As the investigation progressed, it extended to other municipalities in Passaic County, as additional drug users and distributors were identified.
In September of last year, a raid was conducted across Passaic and Bergen counties, resulting in the apprehension of 10 adults. During the operation, law enforcement confiscated a total of $64,104 in cash, along with 13 ounces of cocaine, over 2 pounds of marijuana, and more than 100 oxycodone pills. Valdes shared these details, highlighting the significant outcome of the raid.
Law enforcement officials intensified their investigation in North Jersey, focusing on apprehending individuals involved in the distribution of narcotics. In their pursuit, they carried out 18 search warrants in Passaic, Bergen, and Hudson counties on Wednesday, February 26. As a result, 13 individuals were arrested and charged with both distributing controlled dangerous substances and committing weapons offenses.
During the execution of the February search warrant, law enforcement authorities confiscated a substantial amount of evidence. This included a total of $244,205 in cash, four kilograms of cocaine, 1.7 pounds of heroin, 1.2 pounds of fentanyl, and 1.7 ounces of crack cocaine. The authorities also seized a significant number of prescription pills and uncovered eight firearms. Valdes, the spokesperson, provided these details regarding the evidence collected.
In another significant development this week, North Jersey has witnessed its second major drug bust. On March 5, the Attorney General’s office made headlines with the apprehension of 20 individuals involved in a large-scale operation responsible for trafficking heroin and fentanyl. It is important to note that the majority of those arrested hailed from Passaic County.