Charges Filed in One of the Largest Known Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Seizures in New Jersey History
What to Know
- Over 40 kilograms of fentanyl and 52 kilograms of methamphetamine were seized during the operation.
- The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the DEA, NYPD, and Clifton Police Department.
- The suspect, a convicted felon, was found with four firearms, including a stolen handgun and an AK-47-style rifle.
CLIFTON, New Jersey — A Passaic County man faces federal drug trafficking and firearms charges following what authorities describe as one of the largest fentanyl and methamphetamine seizures in New Jersey history.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Nankel Stuardo Solorzano, 46, of Clifton, New Jersey, was charged in a four-count superseding complaint with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine base, as well as firearms-related offenses. Prosecutors allege Solorzano possessed firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking and unlawfully possessed weapons as a previously convicted felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, investigators identified Solorzano as trafficking large quantities of narcotics from a residential apartment complex in Clifton. On April 17, law enforcement officers arrested Solorzano after he allegedly attempted to access a narcotics stash following two drug transactions.
Pursuant to court-authorized search warrants, law enforcement searched garages and a vehicle linked to Solorzano and seized more than 40 kilograms of fentanyl, approximately 52 kilograms of methamphetamine, and more than 2 kilograms of cocaine base. Authorities also recovered four firearms, including a stolen handgun, an AK-47-style rifle equipped with a large-capacity magazine, and a 12-gauge shotgun, along with ammunition and magazines.
Following the filing of the superseding complaint, an additional court-authorized search of Solorzano’s apartment uncovered what prosecutors described as a further significant quantity of narcotics.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer said, “Narcotics, especially fentanyl, and illegal firearms are a deadly combination that poisons our communities and fuels violence. These charges send a clear message to those who seek to profit by flooding our communities with dangerous drugs: our Office will find you, no matter where you hide or how sophisticated you believe your operation to be. This investigation reflects our commitment to shutting down drug trafficking operations and keeping the people of New Jersey safe from the violence and destruction they cause.”
The two drug trafficking counts each carry a maximum potential penalty of life imprisonment, a mandatory minimum of 10 years, and fines of up to $10 million. The firearms charge tied to drug trafficking carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of life imprisonment, while the felon-in-possession charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years.
The investigation involved special agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration New York Task Force Division Group T-24, the DEA Charlotte Enforcement Group 2, the New York Police Department, the New York State Police, and the Clifton Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Ferrara of the General Crimes Unit, in conjunction with the Narcotics and International Trafficking Unit in Newark.
The charges are allegations, and Solorzano is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.