FAIRFIELD, NJ — Two men were arrested on drug charges following a traffic stop on Passaic Avenue on March 31, 2026.
Joseph Pabon, 22, of Clifton, and Santiago Cardonavilla, 23, of Paterson, were taken into custody after Officer Ryan Cleary stopped a blue Honda Accord for a motor vehicle violation at approximately 10:38 p.m.
Officer Cleary observed several open containers of marijuana inside the vehicle while speaking with the driver and passengers.
Corporal Jeffrey Dean, Officer Sean McCormack and Officer Louis Bisciotti arrived on scene to assist.
Police said Pabon was sweating profusely and extremely energetic during the stop, moving around and unable to remain still in the vehicle.
The occupants were asked to step out of the vehicle so officers could investigate further.
Police said Pabon provided two different accounts of the night’s events while officers spoke with him.
A search of the vehicle revealed a bag containing a pink powdery substance known as “Tusi,” also commonly known as “2C” or “Pink Cocaine.”
Drug paraphernalia was also located, including a scale and small, clear baggies commonly used to package illegal drugs.
Pabon was placed under arrest.
Police said Cardonavilla had pink powder residue in his nose and was also placed under arrest.
The driver was released from the scene.
Both men were transported to police headquarters for processing.
Pabon was charged with distribution of cocaine, possession of cocaine, drug paraphernalia and having open containers of marijuana in the vehicle.
Cardonavilla was charged with being under the influence.
Pabon was transported to the Essex County Jail pending a first appearance, while Cardonavilla was released pending an initial appearance at the Fairfield Municipal Court.
