Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), and the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) today announced the indictment of two suspects for their alleged roles in an interstate drug trafficking operation, after several kilograms of cocaine were found in a hidden compartment of a vehicle and nearly $90,000 in cash was located in a Paterson home.
Following a months-long investigation, Carlos E. Tavarez-Sanchez, 37, of Paterson, New Jersey, and Carlos Martinez, 45, of New York City, were indicted by a state grand jury. The indictment includes the following charges against both suspects:
- Possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance (first degree)
- Conspiracy (second degree)
- Possession of CDS (third degree)
- Possession with intent to distribute CDS within 1,000 feet of school property (third degree)
Additionally, Tavarez-Sanchez was indicted on a count of financial facilitation of criminal activity (second degree), following an investigation launched in December 2024 by the Drug Trafficking North Unit (DTNU) of the NJSP.
“It took months of patient and meticulous investigative work to build this case and secure this indictment,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Illegal drugs are a threat to public health and safety and to quality of life in New Jersey. This indictment should serve as a warning that law enforcement is watching, and the alleged sellers of these addictive, destructive substances will face prosecution.”
“We allege these suspects brought bulk quantities of cocaine to New Jersey from out of state, contributing to a black market that destroys lives and afflicts our streets with violence,” said DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton. “This case illustrates the time and the resources that my office and the State Police will dedicate in our tireless efforts to interrupt the flow of narcotics into our communities.”
“Recovering several kilograms of narcotics from the vehicle—and a large amount of cash from the residence—highlights the very real danger posed by individuals who choose to profit at the expense of our communities. Drug traffickers don’t just move illegal substances; they fuel addiction, incite violence, and jeopardize the safety and stability of the families who call these neighborhoods home,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Our detectives, working in coordination with our law enforcement partners, remain committed to protecting our communities and defending the people we serve. Their tireless efforts in disrupting this operation kept these drugs off our streets and helped make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.”
Detectives obtained a search warrant for a Jeep allegedly used by Tavarez-Sanchez, which had been transported from Texas to New Jersey on a car carrier. The investigation later developed information suggesting that the vehicle was being used to move bulk quantities of illegal narcotics.
A motor vehicle stop was conducted on both the Jeep and a Porsche that was traveling with it on July 15, 2025. As alleged in the complaint, a search of the Jeep revealed approximately 10 kilograms of suspected cocaine concealed in an aftermarket hidden compartment. Tavarez-Sanchez, who was driving the Porsche, and Martinez, the driver of the Jeep, were taken into custody and charged.
Subsequently, the execution of a court-authorized search warrant of Tavarez-Sanchez’s residence, located in the Eastside neighborhood of Paterson, led to the discovery of $87,000 in U.S. currency. A ledger was also recovered at the house that documented drug deals and fees paid to facilitate transport of the Jeep to Texas by car carrier companies.
These charges and allegations are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
First-degree charges generally carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison and a fine of up to $200,000. Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
Deputy Attorney General Anna Gildea is prosecuting the case for DCJ.