HARRISON, N.J. – A Harrison man and a Lyndhurst man were among 23 individuals arrested in a large-scale drug investigation spanning multiple counties in North Jersey, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes announced.
The arrests were the result of a joint investigation by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, multiple local police departments, and federal agencies. The operation targeted a cocaine and narcotics distribution network and led to major drug and weapons seizures.
The Investigation Unfolds
The probe began in May 2024 following community complaints about cocaine sales in Pompton Lakes and other parts of Passaic County. As the investigation expanded, it involved law enforcement agencies from Wayne, Pompton Lakes, Haledon, Clifton, Passaic, and Garfield, with assistance from the U.S. Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the DEA-Newark.
On September 24-25, 2024, authorities executed seven search warrants in Passaic and Bergen counties, resulting in the arrests of 10 people. Law enforcement seized:
$64,104 in cash
Over 13 ounces of cocaine
More than 2 pounds of marijuana
Over 100 oxycodone pills
Expanding the Investigation
As authorities traced drug-trafficking routes from New Jersey to New York, the investigation broadened its focus to major narcotics suppliers.
On February 26, 2025, law enforcement executed an additional 18 search warrants across Passaic, Bergen, and Hudson counties, leading to 13 more arrests (11 men and 2 women).
Massive Drug and Weapons Seizure
During these raids, investigators confiscated:
$244,205 in cash
4 kilograms of cocaine
1.7 pounds of heroin (including 25,000 pre-packaged doses)
1.2 pounds of fentanyl
1.7 ounces of crack cocaine
Numerous prescription pills (OxyContin, Percocet, etc.)
8 firearms and ammunition
Various drug packaging materials
Multiple Charges Filed
All 23 individuals arrested face various drug distribution and possession charges, with some also charged with weapons offenses.
Authorities say the operation significantly disrupted drug distribution networks across North Jersey, and investigations into additional suspects may continue.
