PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — A Passaic County man has been arrested following what federal officials consider the largest methamphetamine and fentanyl bust in New Jersey history.
Nankel Stuardo Solorzano, 46, faces several drug and weapons charges after he was caught trafficking narcotics out of his Clifton residential apartment, according to investigators.
On Friday, Solorzano was arrested after police caught him trying to “access his stash” following two drug deals, officials said.
Searches of Solorzano’s apartment and garage yielded roughly 88 pounds of fentanyl, almost 115 pounds of meth, and nearly five pounds of crack-cocaine, police said. Authorities added that the drugs are worth several million dollars.
Additionally, police found a stolen handgun, an AK-47-style rifle equipped with a large capacity magazine, and a 12-gauge shotgun, as well as a variety of ammunition and magazines, authorities said.
Solorzano is charged with a four-count superseding complaint with possessing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine base with intent to distribute it, possessing firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes, and unlawfully possessing firearms as a previously convicted felon.
If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.
“Narcotics, especially fentanyl, and illegal firearms are a deadly combination that poisons our communities and fuels violence,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer. “These charges send a clear message to those who seek to profit by flooding our communities with dangerous drugs: our Office will find you, no matter where you hide or how sophisticated you believe your operation to be.”
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