Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrests of Mr. Richards Mercedes Avika, 24, and Hector B. Mercedes Cedeno, 37, on drug and firearm-related offenses.
Officials said on September 8, members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force conducted a motor vehicle stop on a white Nissan Murano as it was traveling on Interstate 95 North in the area of Leonia.
According to police, a vehicle search revealed an aftermarket electronic hidden compartment located in the center console.
The hidden compartment contained a drug press, a 9mm handgun and a magazine loaded with hollow nose bullets.
Both men were arrested on the scene without incident.
The incident is under investigation.