40 Lbs. Of Marijuana, $300K Seized From Bergen Drug Dealer: Prosecutor

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Authorities found 40 pounds of marijuana and more than $317,000 in cash belonging to an Upper Saddle River man after they saw him conduct a drug deal in South Hackensack, said Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal.

William Echeverri, 45, was arrested after law enforcement personnel conducting surveillance saw him conduct a hand-to-hand drug transaction with Brian Cohen, 43, Grewal said.

Authorities later pulled Cohen over driving and found 1 ounce of marijuana in the vehicle, the prosecutor said.

Authorities subsequently conducted a court-ordered search of Echeverri's vehicle, residence and several storage locations where they found about 40 pounds of marijuana and more than $317,000 in cash, Grewal said.

The estimated street value of the marijuana is $200,000, the prosecutor said.

Echeverri was charged with possession with the intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, namely marijuana, in a quantity of 25 pounds or more, a first-degree crime, possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, namely marijuana, in a quantity of one ounce or more but less than 25 pounds, a third-degree crime, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, namely marijuana, a third-degree crime and second-degree money laundering.

Echeverri was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending an appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court, Grewal said.

Cohen, of Scotch Plains, was charged with possession of marijuana under 50 grams. He was released on a summons pending an appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court June 28, Grewal said.

The Paramus, Lodi, South Hackensack and Upper Saddle River Police departments and the New Jersey State Police assisted with the investigation.

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Photos: William Echeverri, 45, of Upper Saddle River and Brian Cohen, 43, of Scotch Plains — Bergen County Prosecutor's Office