TRENTON, NJ – A joint operation involving the New Jersey State Police (NJSP), the Division of Criminal Justice, and the Paterson Police Department has recently resulted in the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of illegal firearms, drugs, and large-capacity ammunition magazines.
These arrests and seizures are the result of two unrelated investigations as part of Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin’s crime reduction strategy for Paterson.
The first investigation, dubbed “Operation 293 Flip,” began in February 2023 and targeted a suspected drug mill in Paterson. Detectives identified Felix Rodriguez, 40, as the individual operating a drug production facility from an apartment on East 26th Street. The April 12, 2023, raid on two locations associated with Rodriguez led to the seizure of substantial quantities of heroin, cocaine, and crystal methamphetamine, along with a .357 revolver.
Rodriguez is now facing numerous charges related to the possession and distribution of controlled dangerous substances (CDS) and the possession of a firearm during a CDS offense.
The second investigation focused on gun trafficking in Paterson, leading to the seizure of 10 illegal firearms and 17 large-capacity ammunition magazines.
The suspects arrested in connection with this case, both Paterson residents, are believed to have been transporting firearms from out of state.