Secaucus police apprehend four individuals in connection to meth and fentanyl ring; two still at large
According to Chief Dennis Miller, four additional arrests have been made by the Secaucus Police Department in connection with an ongoing investigation into a fentanyl and methamphetamine ring that was initiated in June. However, two individuals are still at large and being sought by the authorities.
John Heinis, a writer for Hudson County View, has contributed the following text.
In September, the Secaucus PD announced that their investigation resulted in six arrests and the confiscation of more than five ounces of methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, over 480 grams of suspected Fentanyl, and cocaine.
As part of the narcotics investigation, it was revealed that a member of the illegal drug distribution group was abducted at knifepoint in Jersey City on June 25th. The reason for the kidnapping was the debt owed to Erica Festino, who is also known as Erika Potente, by another member of the drug ring.
After some time, the kidnappers finally released the victim from their clutches. It has come to light that Roberto Lascano was also linked to the kidnapping incident.
Detectives from the Secaucus Police Anti-Crime Unit, Secaucus Police K-9 Unit, North Bergen Police Department, and Jersey City Police Department Major Case Unit joined forces on October 20th to apprehend Festino in North Bergen. Festino was wanted for kidnapping and robbery and was taken into custody at her residence.
Following her arrest, law enforcement officials were granted permission by the court to conduct a thorough search of her residence situated on Palisade Avenue in North Bergen.
In a statement, Miller reported that a considerable amount of suspected methamphetamine, Gamma Hydroxybutyrate, Adderall, Ritalin, Clonazepam, and drug paraphernalia were confiscated during the search.
Furthermore, the authorities discovered a multitude of fraudulent items during their search of the residence. These items included credit cards, identifications, ledgers containing sensitive banking information, as well as mail and social security cards belonging to over 100 victims. The scale of the operation was truly staggering and highlights the need for increased vigilance against such acts of fraud.
Inside the residence, three individuals named Allison Chavez, Roman Shapiro, and Paige Rosado were apprehended by authorities. However, Lascano and Governara are still at large and have yet to be captured.
Jersey City resident Governara, aged 49, and West New York resident Lascano, aged 37, have been charged with kidnapping, robbery, and conspiracy to commit robbery. Both individuals are currently wanted for these charges.
Miller expressed his pride in the Secaucus Police Department’s Anti-Crime Unit for their unwavering commitment to pursuing cases until they are fully resolved. He also expressed gratitude towards the Jersey City and North Bergen Police Departments for their valuable assistance.
North Bergen resident Festino, aged 47, has been accused of a string of serious charges including kidnapping, robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with the intent to distribute drug paraphernalia, trafficking in personal identifying information of another, and credit card theft.
The outcome of her situation led to her being sent to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.
A woman named Chavez, who resides in Brooklyn, NY and is 24 years old, was recently charged with several crimes. These include possession of Gamma Hydroxybutyrate, trafficking in personal identifying information of another, credit card theft, and conspiracy to commit trafficking in personal identifying information of another. Although she was released, she is expected to appear in court soon.
A 43-year-old man named Shapiro, residing in Fort Lee, has been charged with possession of CDS and possession of drug paraphernalia. Despite the charges, he was released and is expected to appear in court.
The authorities have recently charged Rosado, a 31-year-old resident of Brooklyn, NY, with several criminal offenses. These charges include trafficking in personal identifying information of another, credit card theft, and conspiracy to commit trafficking in personal identifying information of another.
According to Miller, all of them were released until their first court appearances.
To provide information on any suspicious activities or incidents, you can reach out to the Secaucus Police Department through multiple channels that include calling (201) 330-2049, sending an email to [email protected], or submitting an anonymous report through the department’s website.
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