Bergen County, NJ – A major narcotics operation spanning nearly two years has resulted in the arrest of six men and the seizure of more than $500,000 in cash and over 200 pounds of marijuana, according to a statement released by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office (BCPO) on Nov. 24.
Officials said the coordinated investigation—conducted with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)—uncovered a drug network far larger than initially expected, stretching well beyond the borders of Bergen County, New Jersey.
Operation Began in December 2023
Authorities confirmed that the multiagency probe began in December 2023, when narcotics investigators first identified suspected drug trafficking activities linked to several individuals living across multiple New Jersey counties.
“As the lengthy investigation progressed, it became apparent that the scale of the criminal network reached beyond Bergen County,” the BCPO said in its official release, highlighting the growing complexity of the operation as new evidence surfaced.
The investigation expanded to include prosecutors from Essex County, Morris County, and Passaic County, who worked in close coordination with federal agents to track the movement of drugs and money throughout the region.
Search Warrants Executed Across Multiple Locations
On Nov. 19, the BCPO Narcotic Task Force executed several court-authorized search warrants at various residences and associated properties believed to be tied to the suspects.
During the raids, officers recovered approximately:
- $500,000 in cash
- More than 200 pounds of marijuana
- Hundreds of packaged cannabis products
- Drug paraphernalia and additional evidence linked to distribution
Authorities said the volume of seized marijuana—over 200 pounds—marks one of the largest cannabis-related confiscations in the county in recent years.
Six Men Charged in Connection With the Trafficking Network
The suspects, all from New Jersey, were taken into custody following the execution of the warrants. As per the reports, the individuals arrested include:
- A 39-year-old Fairfield man
- A 64-year-old West Caldwell man
- A 31-year-old Belleville man
- A 49-year-old West Orange man
- A 39-year-old West New York man
- A 56-year-old West Caldwell man
Authorities have not yet released the full list of charges, but all six men face multiple drug-related offenses stemming from their alleged involvement in the trafficking operation.
According to officials, each of the defendants has already appeared in court for an initial hearing and was released pending future court dates, in accordance with New Jersey’s bail guidelines.
Investigators Say More Arrests Possible
Although the BCPO has not announced additional suspects, investigators indicated that the probe remains active. Given the “far-reaching” nature of the drug network described by officials, law enforcement sources suggest that more arrests or charges could follow as evidence continues to be analyzed.
The BCPO credited the successful operation to the cooperation between county prosecutors, federal agents, and multiple local law enforcement units across northern New Jersey.
Community Impact and Ongoing Concerns
Bergen County residents have expressed growing concern over large-scale drug operations in suburban areas. Authorities say cases like this highlight the increasing sophistication of criminal networks operating in and around New Jersey.
Officials emphasize that dismantling these networks requires long-term, multiagency strategies—much like the two-year effort that led to this week’s arrests.
Large-scale drug busts like this raise questions about public safety, community awareness, and law enforcement resources. Share your thoughts on this major Bergen County operation in the comments below.
