Two Paterson Men Arrested in Paramus for Drug Possession, Intent to Distribute

Two unemployed Paterson men were arrested on drug possession charges in Paramus Sept. 10, according to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.

Francisco Fernandez, 28, and Rafael Otero, 29, were arrested after the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force conducted a month-long investigation that discovered Fernandez and Otero were allegedly distributing cocaine and molly in Bergen and Passaic counties.

After following a vehicle occupied by Fernandez, Otero, Ramon Then and Ivan Aranceta, who were observed partaking in activities consistent with drug distribution, police found 74 grams of cocaine and 400 grams of molly.

Fernandez was charged with possession with the intent to distribute molly in a quantity greater than five ounces and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine in a quantity greater than one half ounce. Otero was charged with possession with the intent to distribute molly is a quantity greater than one half ounce. Then and Aranceta were later released.

Police estimate the street value of the cocaine and molly found in the car is more than $15,000.

Fernandez and Otero are currently in the Bergen County Jail. Fernandez’s bail was set at $75,000 with no 10 percent cash option and Otero’s bail was set at $50,000 with no ten percent option.