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NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE
OFFICIAL NEWS RELEASE


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Office of Public Affairs (609) 882-2000
Capt. Stephen Jones - ext. 6513
SFC Brian Polite - ext. 6514
SFC Gregory Williams - ext. 6515
Tpr. I Jeff Flynn - ext. 6516
Tpr. Alina Spies - ext. 6531

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 1, 2014

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Troopers And Partners Shut Down Two Heroin Mills,
Seize Drugs, Guns And Ammunition

Paterson City, N.J. – A cooperative investigation headed by the New Jersey State Police led to the dismantling of two homes operating as heroin mills, and the seizure of guns, ammunition, and drugs valued at $116,400.

On Saturday, March 29, and Sunday, March 30, the New Jersey State Police Drug Trafficking Unit, Street Gang Unit, the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, and the DEA HIDTA Task Force, conducted two separate motor vehicle stops as a result of an ongoing investigation. 

Juan Perez-Guerrero was driving a 2010 Honda Accord when he was stopped on Interstate 80 in Saddle Brook Township.  Troopers discovered that Perez-Guerrero and his passenger, Alexander Padro, were in possession of materials consistent with the packaging and distribution of heroin.  They were both arrested without incident.

Manuel Perez-Guerrero was driving a 2003 Ford Explorer when he was stopped on Interstate 80 in Hackensack City.  The investigation at the scene led to the discovery of 165 bricks of heroin and .40 caliber hollow point bullets, which were located in a hidden compartment inside the vehicle.  Manuel Perez-Guerrero and his passenger, Lakey Guerra-Pujols, were both arrested without incident.

Investigators later responded to two targeted locations, 64 18th Avenue, Paterson, and 258 Spring Street, Paterson, which were identified as suspected heroin mills.  A search of both residences revealed drugs, weapons, and materials consistent with the manufacturing and distribution of heroin.  At the Spring Street home, troopers arrested Luis Manuel-Tejada and Franklin Mejia.   

“The success of this operation prevented the distribution of a large quantity of heroin, and removed guns from the hands of criminals,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Due to the tireless efforts of the detectives involved, these drugs will never make it into our communities.  I am proud of the outstanding work of our troopers, members of the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, and the DEA.”

“I want to commend the New Jersey State Police, DEA, and our other partners who participated in this significant narcotics enforcement operation,” said Passaic County Sheriff Richard H. Berdnik.  “The only way to truly stop the flow of illegal drugs is by actively enforcing our laws, and arresting those involved in its distribution.  The Passaic County Sheriff’s Office plans to continue to participate in future operations of this nature.”

At 64 18th Avenue, Paterson, N.J., the following evidence was seized:

  • Semi-automatic .40 caliber handgun
  • Hollow point bullets
  • $16,841 U.S. Currency
  • Materials consistent with the manufacturing of heroin

At 258 Spring Street, Paterson, N.J., the following evidence was seized:

  • 146 bricks of heroin
  • Semi-automatic .45 caliber handgun
  • Handgun silencer
  • Cocaine
  • Materials consistent with the manufacturing of heroin
  • 2004 Nissan Quest that contained 14 ounces of raw heroin and a semi-automatic .380 caliber handgun located in a hidden compartment

The suspects were charged as follows:

      Charges
Manuel Perez-Guerrero
Manuel Perez-Guerrero
29 Paterson, N.J. Possession of Heroin
Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute
Possession of Paraphernalia
Possession of Hollow Point Bullets
Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
Lakey S. Guerra-Pujols
Lakey S. Guerra-Pujols
29 Oakfield, N.Y. Possession of Heroin
Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute
Possession of Paraphernalia
Possession of Hollow Point Bullets
Luis Manuel Tejada,
(aka Jose Romero-Rivera)

Luis Manuel Tejada, (aka Jose Romero-Rivera)
40 Paterson, N.J. Possession of Heroin and Cocaine
Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute
Possession of Paraphernalia
Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
Receiving Stolen Property
Franklin Mejia
Franklin Mejia
43 Paterson, N.J. Possession of Heroin and Cocaine
Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute
Possession of Paraphernalia
Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
Receiving Stolen Property
Juan E. Perez-Guerrero
Juan E. Perez-Guerrero
22 Paterson, N.J. Conspiracy to Commit CDS Offenses
Possession of Paraphernalia
Alexander Padro
Alexander Padro
23 Paterson, N.J. Conspiracy to Commit CDS Offenses
Possession of Paraphernalia

All six suspects were lodged at the Bergen County Jail in lieu of $250,000 full cash bail.

Charges are mere accusations and the suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

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