State police arrest four, seize $100,000 worth of drugs in Paterson raid
By Jonathan Greene
Published: March 11, 2020
The New Jersey State Police arrested four people and seized more than $100,000 worth of drugs in a raid at an opioid mill that operated out of a residence on 9th Avenue in Paterson.
Anthony Rosario, 37, of Paterson; Luis Peguero, 33, of Bronx, N.Y; Ricky Rodriguez, 34, of Passaic City; and Angel Ramirez, 33, of Hazelton, P.A., were arrested in the raid on Friday, authorities said.
Rosario, Peguero, Rodriguez, and Ramirez were charged with maintaining a drug production facility, drug possession with intent to distribute, possession within 1,000 feet of a school zone, possession of drug paraphernalia, and conspiracy to engage in distribution.
Detectives seized 600 grams of raw heroin/fentanyl mixture, approximately 25,000 wax folds of heroin, and $1,967 cash, authorities said. Authorities said the mill operators distributed their drugs in wax folds with brands that were linked to 22 overdoses, including 14 fatal overdoses, in New Jersey.
The raid came after a two-month long investigation that identified the residence on 9th Avenue as a distribution point for drugs in the area.
All four are being held at the Passaic County Jail pending a judicial hearing.