A Maryland resident has been arrested and charged with firearms trafficking in Ocean County, New Jersey, according to an announcement from Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba.
Luiz Vargas, also known as “El Biggie,” 25, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, faces one count of trafficking in firearms. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni in Trenton federal court on August 11, 2025, and was detained pending further proceedings.
Authorities began investigating Vargas in January 2025 for allegedly bringing firearms into New Jersey from states including Texas and Maryland. The investigation involved a confidential source who worked under law enforcement supervision to conduct four controlled firearm purchases from Vargas. These transactions resulted in the recovery of eight firearms: two semiautomatic rifles without serial numbers or identifiable markings and six handguns. Two of the handguns had been reported stolen from Texas and Colorado. On at least one occasion when a promised firearm sale did not occur, Vargas allegedly provided cocaine to the confidential source instead. Investigators noted that Vargas has never held a federal license to deal or manufacture firearms.
The charge of firearms trafficking carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000.
“Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Habba credited special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges. She also thanked the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations Newark, under the direction of Field Office Director Ruben Perez, the Howell Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police John Storrow, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy, the Asbury Park Police Department, under the direction of Deputy Chief of Police Guy Thompson, the Freehold Borough Police Department, under the Direction of Chief of Police Chris Colaner, the Lakewood Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Gregory H. Meyer, the Little Silver Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Paul Halpin, the Marlboro Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Peter Pezzullo, the Middletown Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police R. Craig Weber, the Monroe Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Griffin N. Banos, and the Wall Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Sean O’Halloran, for their assistance in the investigation.”
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Garelick from Trenton’s Criminal Division.
“The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.”
Vargas is represented by Andrea Aldana from Federal Public Defenders.
