A drug investigation spanning December 2023 and January 2024, conducted by the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, has led to the arrest of two Paterson residents on charges related to narcotics distribution.

Edwin Garcia-Mendez (pictured), 40, and Dinerxon Castillo, 49, both of Paterson, were apprehended following the investigation. Detectives obtained search warrants for Garcia-Mendez’s first-floor residence at 217-219 East 24th Street and its detached garage. On January 18, 2024, surveillance operations recorded Garcia-Mendez leaving his residence and engaging in a drug transaction with Castillo on Southard Street, authorities said.

Following the transaction, Garcia-Mendez and Dinerxon Castillo were taken into custody. Garcia-Mendez was found in possession of an additional quantity of cocaine at the time of arrest, and his vehicle, a white Honda Accord, was impounded.

Simultaneous searches at Garcia-Mendez’s residence and garage uncovered nearly a pound of cocaine, 94 fentanyl pills, an AR pellet rifle, a digital scale, two hydraulic presses used for processing cocaine, multiple cutting agents for cocaine, an acetone can, and $290.

The narcotics seized are estimated to have a street value of approximately $10,000, according to Passaic County sheriff Richard Berdnik.

Dinerxon Castillo was charged with possession of cocaine and released pending future court proceedings.

Garcia-Mendez has been charged with 12 criminal offenses, including distribution, maintaining a drug production facility, possession of a pellet rifle without a permit. He is being held at the Passaic County Jail pending a court hearing.