Four Arrested in Secaucus After Multi-Month Narcotics Investigation; Seizure of Cocaine, Fentanyl, and Cash

Secaucus, Hudson County – Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez revealed today that four individuals have been arrested in connection with a significant drug bust in Secaucus. The arrests come after an extensive multi-month investigation conducted by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration – New Jersey Division.

On Wednesday, July 19, 2023, law enforcement officers executed the arrests on Mill Creek Drive in Secaucus. The four defendants were identified as Franklin Rodriguez-Liberto, 40, of Jersey City; Richard Pena-Rodriguez, 37, of Union City; Steven Reyes, 44, of North Bergen; and Christopher Delacruz, 24, of New York.

The investigation, spanning from April 2023 to July 2023, focused on multiple narcotics transactions occurring in Secaucus and Kearny. As a result of this operation, law enforcement seized over two kilograms of cocaine with a street value of approximately $65,000, over 125 grams of fentanyl worth more than $9,000 on the street, and over $6,000 in cash, suspected to be proceeds from narcotics transactions.

Franklin Rodriguez-Liberto, the alleged ring leader, faces multiple charges, including three counts of Possession with the Intent to Distribute fentanyl, a second-degree crime, and one count of Possession with the Intent to Distribute cocaine, a first-degree crime, among other charges related to conspiracy and money laundering.

Richard Pena-Rodriguez, Steven Reyes, and Christopher Delacruz are charged with conspiracy-related offenses involving the distribution of fentanyl and cocaine, all classified as second-degree crimes.

Following their arrests, all four defendants were transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility, where they will remain until their first court appearances.

Prosecutor Esther Suarez commended the joint efforts of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration – New Jersey Division for their dedication and commitment to keeping the community safe.

The successful operation sends a strong message to those involved in narcotics trafficking that law enforcement will continue to pursue justice relentlessly.

Authorities urge anyone with additional information related to this case or other narcotics activities to come forward and assist in the fight against drug-related crimes in the region. Anonymous tips can be submitted to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office official website or by calling the Narcotics Task Force hotline.