HUDSON COUNTY, N.J. — Thirteen individuals, including multiple public employees, have been arrested following a six-month narcotics investigation that uncovered a large-scale cocaine trafficking operation in Hudson County, authorities announced Thursday.
Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said the investigation, led by the Narcotics Task Force and Internal Affairs Unit, resulted in the seizure of more than four kilograms of suspected cocaine, two handguns, seven vehicles, and over $70,000 in cash.
Six individuals were arrested between July 28 and July 29 in connection with conspiracy to possess cocaine, including three Town of West New York employees: Jorge Delgado (security guard), Johann Messina (laborer), and Carlos Begueria (Parking Authority employee). Also charged were Dean Mannion, 61, and Priscilla Acevedo, 44, both of North Bergen, and Steven Betancourt, 43, of West New York.
These arrests follow a July 17 multi-location raid in North Bergen, West New York, and Union City, which resulted in seven additional arrests and the discovery of a narcotics production facility. Among those arrested earlier were a West New York Police dispatcher, a retired detective, and a Hudson County correctional officer.
The alleged ringleader, Alfredo Diaz, 50, of Union City, faces dozens of charges, including leading a narcotics network, maintaining a drug production facility, weapons violations, money laundering, and endangering the welfare of a child.
Ileana Hernandez, 56, a dispatcher for the West New York Police Department, was charged with official misconduct and conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Additional arrests included Edwin Martinez of North Bergen, Daniel Diaz of West New York, Thomas Mannion (a retired detective), Hudson County Correctional Officer Marquis Santiago, and Cristian Cortez of Englewood.
The investigation remains active, and officials credit interagency cooperation for the takedown.