By: Richard L. Smith
Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella has revealed the arrest of 44-year-old Nutley resident Mr. Omar Rios on charges including possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, maintaining a controlled dangerous substance production facility, and money laundering.
The arrest comes following a significant narcotics investigation by detectives from the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Narcotic Task Force.
Bergen officials said on November 9, the investigation reached a pivotal point when detectives executed a search warrant at 510 Franklin Avenue, Apartment 15, in Nutley, the residence of Rios.
During the search, Bergen County officials said detectives uncovered a substantial amount of evidence, including more than 800 grams of cocaine, a sum of $58,070 in suspected proceeds from drug sales, cutting agents, packaging materials, and a hydraulic press used for compressing cocaine for distribution.
Additionally, search warrants were executed at two other locations believed to be stash sites used by Rios.
At 94 Bloomfield Avenue in Nutley, detectives discovered a remarkable $273,920 in suspected proceeds from illicit drug sales, further underscoring the extent of the operation.
In a detached garage located at 45 Watchung Avenue in Belleville, which Rios owned, Bergen County officials said authorities stumbled upon an astonishing collection of 10 vintage exotic cars.
These high-end vehicles are believed to have been purchased using the proceeds generated from drug sales.
Following his arrest, Rios has been remanded to the Bergen County Jail, where he awaits a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack.
It is important to note that these charges are merely accusations, Rios is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, as emphasized by Prosecutor Mark Musella.
The investigation into this case continues as authorities work to unravel the full scope of the alleged criminal activities.