EAST ORANGE, NJ — A months-long investigation into drug distribution resulted in the arrests of three people and the seizure of drugs, weapons and cash during raids on Feb. 17.
The Wayne Police Department Special Operations Unit developed information related to drug distribution sometime last year and partnered with the New Jersey State Police Strategic Investigations Unit – North and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations – Newark.
The collaborating units, along with NJSP TEAMS, conducted raids and takedowns on multiple locations in East Orange.
Officers seized approximately 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, 20 bags of heroin, 1 ounce of methamphetamine, scales, presses, cutting agents and other equipment and packaging for a drug distribution facility.
Over $30,000 in cash was seized as drug proceeds.
A .380 caliber handgun and a .556 caliber assault rifle were also seized.
Fabian Ramos-Torres, 34, of East Orange, was charged with possession with intent to distribute CDS cocaine (1st degree), maintaining a CDS manufacturing facility (1st degree), possession with intent to distribute fentanyl (2nd degree), possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (2nd degree), conspiracy (2nd degree), distribution of CDS within 1,000 feet of a school (2nd degree), tampering with evidence (3rd degree) and possession of CDS packaging materials (4th degree).
Jimmy Candelario, 44, of Linden, was charged with possession with intent to distribute CDS cocaine (1st degree), maintaining a CDS manufacturing facility (1st degree), possession with intent to distribute fentanyl (2nd degree), possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (2nd degree), unlawful possession of a short-barreled assault rifle with CDS (2nd degree), unlawful possession of a short-barreled assault rifle (2nd degree), unlawful possession of a handgun with CDS (2nd degree), unlawful possession of a handgun (2nd degree), distribution of CDS within 1,000 feet of a school (2nd degree), possession with intent to distribute heroin (3rd degree), tampering with evidence (3rd degree), money laundering (3rd degree) and possession of CDS packaging materials (4th degree).
Nydia Rivera, 47, of Newark, was charged with possession with intent to distribute CDS cocaine (1st degree), maintaining a CDS manufacturing facility (1st degree), possession with intent to distribute fentanyl (2nd degree), possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (2nd degree), unlawful possession of a short-barreled assault rifle with CDS (2nd degree), unlawful possession of a short-barreled assault rifle (2nd degree), unlawful possession of a handgun with CDS (2nd degree), unlawful possession of a handgun (2nd degree), conspiracy (2nd degree), distribution of CDS within 1,000 feet of a school (2nd degree), possession with intent to distribute heroin (3rd degree), tampering with evidence (3rd degree), money laundering (3rd degree) and possession of CDS packaging materials (4th degree).
