Two men have been indicted in New Jersey for their alleged involvement in an interstate drug trafficking operation after authorities uncovered several kilograms of cocaine hidden in a vehicle and nearly $90,000 in cash at a Paterson residence.
Carlos E. Tavarez-Sanchez, 37, of Paterson, and Carlos Martinez, 45, of New York City, were indicted by a state grand jury following an investigation led by the Drug Trafficking North Unit (DTNU) of the New Jersey State Police. The charges against both include possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance (first degree), conspiracy (second degree), possession of CDS (third degree), and possession with intent to distribute CDS within 1,000 feet of school property (third degree). Tavarez-Sanchez also faces one count of financial facilitation of criminal activity (second degree).
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin stated: “It took months of patient and meticulous investigative work to build this case and secure this indictment. 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.”
DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton commented: “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. 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.”
Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police said: “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. 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.”
The investigation began in December 2024 when detectives obtained information about vehicles being used for transporting illegal narcotics into New Jersey from Texas via car carrier companies. On July 15, 2025, police conducted stops on both a Jeep—allegedly used by Tavarez-Sanchez—and a Porsche traveling together. Authorities say approximately 10 kilograms of suspected cocaine were found concealed within an aftermarket compartment inside the Jeep.
Both suspects were taken into custody at that time. A subsequent search warrant executed at Tavarez-Sanchez’s home resulted in authorities seizing $87,000 in U.S currency as well as documentation allegedly related to drug transactions.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
If convicted on first-degree charges alone under New Jersey law, each defendant could face between 10-20 years imprisonment along with fines up to $200,000; second-degree offenses carry five-to-ten year sentences with fines up to $150,000; third-degree charges can result in three-to-five years’ imprisonment plus fines up to $15,000.
Deputy Attorney General Anna Gildea is prosecuting for DCJ while James Harrison Banks represents Tavarez-Sanchez and Gracia Robert Montilus represents Martinez.
