Hackensack, NJ – Bergen County investigators say they dismantled a large-scale narcotics manufacturing and distribution operation tied to more than $4 million worth of illegal drugs seized across multiple North Jersey locations. Five men from New Jersey and New York now face first-degree drug charges after authorities recovered hundreds of kilograms of fraudulent pressed pills along with MDMA and ketamine during coordinated raids last week.
The arrests followed a months-long investigation spanning Bergenfield, Englewood, and Lodi that prosecutors say uncovered a network operating multiple drug-related locations throughout Bergen County. Detectives executed court-authorized search warrants Thursday, May 7, leading to one of the county’s largest recent narcotics seizures.
The defendants were identified as 27-year-old Thomas A. Crisafulli of Bergenfield; 22-year-old Jayshawn Eyamazememba of Bronx, New York; 25-year-old Ethan Lara of Lodi; 25-year-old Michael Morales of Bergenfield; and 21-year-old Naudy Oviedo of Bronx, New York.
Hundreds of Kilograms of Drugs Seized Across Bergen County
According to Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella, investigators seized three kilograms of MDMA, nine kilograms of ketamine, and 291 kilograms of illegally pressed fraudulent pills during the operation. Detectives also recovered marijuana and Tapentadol, a prescription opioid medication classified as a Schedule II narcotic.
Authorities estimated the total street value of the narcotics at more than $4 million.
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotic Task Force led the investigation alongside the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Maywood Police Department. Investigators said the operation began in September 2025 and focused on suspected narcotics activity connected to properties on Broad Street and Ralph Street in Bergenfield, Lake Street in Englewood, and Lawrence Avenue in Lodi.
Law enforcement agencies involved in the raids included the Bergenfield Police Department, Englewood Police Department, and Lodi Police Department.
Key Points
• Bergen County investigators seized narcotics valued at more than $4 million during coordinated raids
• Authorities recovered 291 kilograms of pressed pills along with MDMA, ketamine, marijuana, and Tapentadol
• Five men from New Jersey and New York face first-degree narcotics charges following the investigation
Investigation Spanned Nearly Eight Months
Prosecutors said detectives spent months tracking what they described as a coordinated narcotics manufacturing and distribution scheme operating across several Bergen County municipalities.
The investigation involved the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under Chief Jeff Angermeyer, the United States Postal Inspection Service under Inspector in Charge Christopher Nielson, and the Maywood Police Department under Chief Terrence Kenny.
Authorities did not disclose how the suspects allegedly distributed the narcotics or whether additional arrests are expected.
The defendants each face charges including first-degree operating a controlled dangerous substance facility and first-degree possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance. Additional charges include second-degree possession with intent to distribute a Schedule II narcotic and third-degree possession with intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances.
After their arrests, all five defendants were taken to the Bergen County Jail. Prosecutors said each made an initial appearance in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack before being released pending further court proceedings.
Multi-Agency Effort Led to Arrests
Musella credited several local and federal agencies for assisting with the investigation and coordinated raids.
In addition to the primary agencies involved, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, North Arlington Police Department, and Port Authority Police Department participated in the broader narcotics task force effort.
The United States Postal Inspection Service’s involvement suggests investigators may have examined the movement of narcotics or related materials through mail systems during the investigation, though prosecutors did not provide further details.
The seizure stands out both for the quantity of pressed pills recovered and the estimated street value attached to the operation. Fraudulent pressed pills have become a growing concern for law enforcement agencies nationwide because they can resemble legitimate prescription medications while containing dangerous substances.
Related coverage in New Jersey has increasingly focused on multi-agency narcotics investigations targeting synthetic drugs and large-scale distribution networks operating across county lines.
Prosecutors emphasized that the charges filed against all five defendants remain accusations. Under New Jersey law, each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation remains active as the defendants await additional court proceedings in Bergen County Superior Court.
