Cocaine, Thousands Of Dollars Seized In Union County Drug Bust

UNION COUNTY, NJ — Five alleged members of a drug ring operating out of Union County were arrested on Oct. 7, the Union County Prosecutor's Office says.

Officials confiscated 2,200 grams of cocaine and $6,327 during search warrants that were carried out across multiple locations.

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The following five people have been charged with also operating their distribution network in areas surrounding Union County:

William Padilla, 52 of Greenbrook
• First degree possession with intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances, 2c:35-5b (1)
• First degree maintaining or operating a controlled dangerous substance production facility, 2c:35-4
• Third degree knowingly or purposely possessing a controlled dangerous substance, 2c:35-10(a) (1)
• Third degree conspiracy to distribute controlled dangerous substances, 2c:5-2a(1)

Alexandra Tapia-Garzon, 54 of Greenbrook
• First degree possession with intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances, 2c:35-5b (1)
• First degree maintaining or operating a controlled dangerous substance production facility, 2c:35-4
• Third degree knowingly or purposely possessing a controlled dangerous substance, 2c:35-10(a) (1)
• Third degree conspiracy to distribute controlled dangerous substances, 2c:5-2a(1)

Anthony M. Padilla, 24 of Greenbrook
• First degree possession with intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances, 2c:35-5b (1)
• First degree maintaining or operating a controlled dangerous substance production facility, 2c:35-4
• Third degree knowingly or purposely possessing a controlled dangerous substance, 2c:35-10(a) (1)
• Third degree conspiracy to distribute controlled dangerous substances, 2c:5-2a(1)

Jose Redonde-Castro, 39 of North Plainfield
• Third degree knowingly or purposely possessing a controlled dangerous substance, 2c:35-10(a) (1)

Alejandro Polanco-Grijalva, 43 of North Plainfield
• Third degree knowingly or purposely possessing a controlled dangerous substance, 2c:35-10(a) (1)

The Plainfield Police Department Narcotics Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Union County SWAT Team, Union County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit, and the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Tactical Narcotics Team assisted in this case.

"This successful operation is a testament to the power of inter-agency cooperation," added Union County Prosecutor William Daniel. "We will continue to work side-by-side with our federal, county, and local partners to protect the residents of Union County from illegal drug trafficking."

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