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Police Raid Reveals Fentanyl Pressing Operation in North Bergen Home

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In a recent raid on drug dens in Passaic and Hudson counties, detectives from the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) Drug Trafficking North Unit discovered hydraulic equipment for pressing kilos of fentanyl at a North Bergen address. The location was identified as a drug processing facility.

According to a joint statement by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and NJSP Superintendent Col. Patrick J. Callahan, authorities also found imprint face plates for stamping controlled dangerous substances (CDS), cutting agents, and evidence of fentanyl packaging at the residence.

The raid followed the arrest of Edwal Mercedes, 39, during a traffic stop. Mercedes was found carrying a fake driver’s license and more than $10,000 in suspected drug money. At the North Bergen home, which Mercedes shared with his brother Edwin, authorities seized Carlos Pena Peralta, 22. However, Edwin Mercedes remained at large as of Monday morning.

Working alongside the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, State Police detectives identified the North Bergen residence on 46th Street and a Passaic Avenue apartment in the City of Passaic as alleged drug processing facilities. Simultaneous court-warranted searches at both locations led to the seizure of raw fentanyl in Passaic and over 10 pounds of marijuana in North Bergen.

This operation underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat drug trafficking in New Jersey, as authorities continue searching for Edwin Mercedes and investigating the drug processing facilities.