Nine Arrested After Drug Raids in Paterson, Passaic, Haledon and Hawthorne, Prosecutors Say

Twelve addresses in four Passaic County towns were searched on the same Tuesday. Nine people, including a 17-year-old, are now facing drug and gun charges, and investigators walked away with seven guns and more than 500 rounds of ammunition, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office.

The search warrants were carried out Tuesday, Nov. 10, in Paterson, Passaic, Haledon and Hawthorne, prosecutors said.

Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia Valdes said the raids capped a three-month investigation into cocaine and other drug sales that began in August. It was led by the prosecutor's Narcotics, Gangs and Violent Crimes Task Force, working with Passaic and Haledon police, the FBI's Newark Field Office and the Passaic County Sheriff's Office, whose narcotics bureau, K-9 unit and SWAT team played a role in the operation, the sheriff's office said.

Prosecutors said the searches turned up 37 ounces of cocaine, 20 grams of heroin, five pounds of marijuana and THC products, 245 grams of promethazine, and oxycodone, alprazolam and ecstasy pills. Investigators also seized seven firearms, more than 500 rounds of ammunition, large-capacity magazines, drug production and distribution materials, and $9,653 in cash, according to the prosecutor's office.

Those arrested, according to prosecutors, are Carlos Urena, 34, of Paterson; Cristian Rojas, 26, of North Haledon; Josean Alexander, 29, of Passaic; Leonardo Vargas, 29, of Paterson; Sebastian Henao, 19, of Paterson; Derrikc Tolentino, 19, of Clifton; Christian Henao, 29, of Paterson; Jose Vasquez, 27, of Paterson; and a 17-year-old from Paterson who was not named because of their age.

They face a range of drug and weapons charges, prosecutors said, including leading a narcotics trafficking network, maintaining a drug production facility, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and unlawful possession of firearms. The most serious, a first-degree charge of leading a narcotics trafficking network, carries a possible sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

"This investigation demonstrates the importance of strong partnerships and coordinated law enforcement efforts," Passaic County Sheriff Thomas Adamo said.

The raids also drew help from Homeland Security Investigations, the ATF, New Jersey State Police, the Bergen County SWAT team, and police in Clifton, Hawthorne and Paterson, prosecutors said.

The eight adults are being held at the Bergen County Jail, with detention hearings scheduled to begin Tuesday, Nov. 17. The 17-year-old is being held at the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center. Prosecutors said the investigation is ongoing and asked anyone with information to call 1-877-370-PCPO or email tips@passaiccountynj.org.

Charges are accusations. Everyone charged is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Source: Passaic County Prosecutor's Office; Passaic County Sheriff's Office.

Photo: Passaic County Sheriff's Office.