the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Lyndhurst NJ, following the NJ State police shutdown of a major drug mill a second major narcotics investigation has led to the arrest of 23 individuals across multiple North Jersey towns, along with the seizure of drugs, firearms, ammunition, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash.
The ongoing investigation, spearheaded by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, has uncovered a large-scale drug operation with connections to New York City’s Bronx borough.
How the Investigation Unfolded
The probe began in May 2024, when police in Wayne and Pompton Lakes received community complaints about suspected cocaine sales in Passaic County. As the case expanded, multiple agencies—including the U.S. Secret Service—joined forces to track and dismantle the network.
The operation was conducted in two strategic phases:
Phase 1: Targeting Buyers
🔹 Seven search warrants executed
🔹 10 arrests made, targeting lower-level buyers
🔹 Seized evidence included:
- $64,000 in cash
- 13 ounces of cocaine
- 2 pounds of marijuana
- 100 oxycodone pills
Phase 2: Cracking Down on Suppliers
🔹 18 additional search warrants executed
🔹 13 more people arrested, facing drug distribution and weapons charges
🔹 Seized evidence included:
- Over $300,000 in cash
- 4 kilograms of cocaine
- 1.7 pounds of heroin
- 1.2 pounds of fentanyl
- 1.7 ounces of crack cocaine
- Prescription pills (OxyContin, Percocet)
- Firearms, ammunition, and vehicles
North Jersey Drug Network: What Investigators Found
Authorities revealed that the drug operation relied on suppliers in the Bronx, who transported large quantities of narcotics into North Jersey via vehicles and residential locations.
Arrests were made in several towns, including:
✔ Paterson
✔ Wayne
✔ Garfield
✔ Wanaque
✔ Pompton Lakes
✔ Haledon
✔ Totowa
✔ Passaic
✔ Harrison
✔ Lyndhurst
The individuals arrested range in age from 23 to 64 years old, including four women and 19 men.
Legal Consequences & Detention Hearings
The charges range from possession and distribution of controlled dangerous substances to weapons offenses. Among the most severe charges is first-degree maintaining a controlled substance production facility, which carries a potential prison sentence of 10 to 20 years.
🔹 Most Phase 1 suspects have been processed and released.
🔹 In Phase 2, seven detentions were filed:
- Three individuals remain detained
- Three have been released
- One is pending a detention hearing
Investigation Continues: Public Urged to Report Tips
The investigation remains active and ongoing, with law enforcement continuing to track down additional leads.
If you have any information, contact the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office:
📞 Tip Line: 1-877-370-PCPO
📧 Email: tips@passaiccountynj.org
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