HACKENSACK, NJ — Six people were arrested on narcotics distribution charges following a two-year investigation spanning four New Jersey counties, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced Monday.
The arrests resulted from an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Detectives from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotic Task Force began investigating an illicit marijuana distribution operation in December 2023.
As the investigation progressed, it became apparent the criminal network reached beyond Bergen County, and a partnership with the DEA was formed.
On Nov. 19, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotic Task Force executed multiple court-authorized search warrants at residences and other properties related to the investigation, in coordination with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.
Detectives seized more than $500,000 in U.S. currency, more than 200 pounds of marijuana, various items of drug paraphernalia and hundreds of additional cannabis products packaged for distribution.
Frank A. Preziosi, 49, of West Orange, was charged with first-degree possession with intent to distribute marijuana in an amount greater than 25 pounds, second-degree conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance in an amount greater than 25 pounds and third-degree money laundering.
Samer J. Helou, 39, of Fairfield, was charged with second-degree conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana in an amount greater than 25 pounds and third-degree money laundering.
Leila Helou, 64, of West Caldwell, was charged with second-degree conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana in an amount greater than 25 pounds and third-degree money laundering.
James A. Marra, 31, of Belleville, was charged with second-degree conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana in an amount greater than 25 pounds and third-degree money laundering.
Miguel A. Rosa, 39, of West New York, was charged with second-degree conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana in an amount greater than 25 pounds and third-degree money laundering.
Abbas Sayed, 56, of West Caldwell, was charged with second-degree conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana in an amount greater than 25 pounds and third-degree money laundering.
The defendants were remanded to the Bergen County Jail and made a first appearance in Bergen County Superior Court, where they were ordered released pending further court action.
