Secaucus Police Officers Helped Uncover Georgia Gun-Smuggling Ring

SECAUCUS, NJ — At a Tuesday night awards ceremony, Secaucus Police Det. Joseph Fuardo, Officer Justin Machno, Officer Matthew Cutola and Officer Jesus Rodriguez received the Excellent Police Service award for an investigation that started in January of 2021.

Here is what happened:

On Jan. 22, 2021, Officers Machno and Rodriguez were patrolling on Rt. 3 east. They pulled over an Acura TSX for almost striking another vehicle. While talking to the driver, the officers said they detected the odor of raw marijuana emanating from the car (at this time, marijuana was still illegal in the state of New Jersey).

A search of the car was conducted. While searching the car, the officers said they located two guns, a Glock .380 and a Glock 9mm handgun, plus magazines. The driver was arrested and charged with illegal gun and drug possession.

During an interview with Det. Fuardo back at police headquarters, officers came to believe the driver was involved in a gun-smuggling operation bringing guns up from Georgia to the New York City/North Jersey area.

Det. Fuardo and Cutola obtained a "communications data search warrant" for the man's cell phone and social media records, including past deleted posts and deleted text messages. From there, the Secaucus police detective identified a second suspect who they say was providing the guns from Georgia.

Secaucus Police presented their findings to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and a task force was established between Secaucus Police and federal law enforcement agencies. ATF and other agencies investigated the Georgia gun-smuggling ring and Det. Fuardo actually traveled to Georgia last year to join ATF agents in making the arrests of both men.

"I don't believe in jurisdictional boundaries," said Secaucus Police Chief Dennis Miller Tuesday night. "If someone is injured in a crime in Secaucus, or if a crime has a nexus to Secaucus, Secaucus police officers will travel to any city and any state to pursue the case. We often give leads to federal law enforcement for federal prosecution, which will mete out the toughest penalty."