Hackensack, NJ – A Hackensack man faces multiple felony drug charges after investigators allegedly uncovered a cocaine distribution and narcotics processing operation inside his apartment during a court-authorized raid, police said.
Malcolm S. Byer, 52, of Hackensack, was arrested following a May 8 investigation led by the Hackensack Police Department’s Crime Suppression Bureau with assistance from the department’s Emergency Services Unit. The operation was located within 1,000 feet from a school, but police did not release the name of the school.
Authorities said officers executed a Bergen County Superior Court-authorized search warrant at Byer’s apartment, where investigators allegedly found cocaine packaged for street-level sales, thousands of dollars in suspected drug proceeds, and equipment tied to narcotics manufacturing and distribution.
Police Seized Cocaine and More Than $6,000
According to Hackensack police, investigators recovered approximately $6,290 believed to be connected to criminal narcotics activity during the search.
Detectives also alleged the apartment contained a narcotic manufacturing operation used to process and distribute cocaine.
The investigation resulted in several serious criminal charges against Byer, including maintaining or operating a controlled dangerous substance production facility, a first-degree offense under New Jersey law.
He also faces charges of manufacturing, distributing, or possessing cocaine with intent to distribute, along with allegations connected to drug activity near schools and public buildings.
Key Points
• Hackensack police arrested a 52-year-old man after a drug raid at his apartment
• Investigators allegedly seized cocaine, cash, and narcotics processing equipment
• Suspect faces charges tied to drug distribution near schools and public buildings
Child Endangerment Charge Included in Case
In addition to narcotics-related offenses, police charged Byer with endangering the welfare of a child, a second-degree crime.
Authorities did not release details about how the child endangerment allegation connects to the investigation.
Additional charges include financial facilitation of criminal activity and possession with intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances within 500 feet of certain public buildings and within 1,000 feet of school property.
Hackensack police said the case stemmed from an investigation conducted by the department’s Crime Suppression Bureau under the direction of Chief Michael Antista.
Suspect Held Pending Court Appearance
Following his arrest, Byer was processed and transported to the Bergen County Correctional and Rehabilitation Center.
He remains held on a complaint warrant pending his initial appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack.
Authorities have not announced whether additional arrests are expected as part of the investigation.
