Teen, 8 Adults Nabbed In Major Drug, Gun Bust In North Jersey, Cops Say

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — Nine people, including a minor, have been arrested following a major drug and gun bust in Passaic County this week, according to officials.

On Tuesday, a multi-agency investigation into a drug-dealing ring that launched in August led to the search of 12 locations across Paterson, Passaic, Haledon, and Hawthorne, resulting in several drug and gun charges for nine people.

Across the 12 locations, investigators found seven
guns, more than 500 rounds of ammunition, and several large-capacity ammunition magazines, police said.

In addition, authorities discovered more than two pounds of
cocaine, 20 grams of heroin, various oxycodone, alprazolam, and ecstasy pills, five pounds of marijuana and THC products, half a pound of promethazine, drug production and distribution materials, and nearly $10,000 in cash, prosecutors said.

The nine suspects were slapped with a slew of charges, including leading a narcotics trafficking network, maintaining a drug production facility, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, to name a few.

The following people were arrested following the drug and gun bust:

• Carlos Urena, 34, of Paterson
• Cristian Rojas, 26, of North Haledon
• Josean Alexander, 29, of Passaic
• Leonardo Vargas, 29, of Paterson
• Sebastian Henao, 19, of Paterson
• Derrikc Tolentino, 19, of Clifton
• Christian Henao, 29, of Paterson
• Jose Vasquez, 27, of Paterson
• A.L., 17, of Paterson (name withheld due to status as a minor)

All adult suspects are being held at the Bergen County Jail to await arraignment on Tuesday. The minor is being held at the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center while awaiting Family
Court proceedings.

The investigation is still active. Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to contact the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org.