By: Richard L. Smith
A joint operation involving federal and local law enforcement has resulted in the arrest of two Elizabeth men on a range of weapons and narcotics charges, authorities announced.
According to a statement released by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, 23-year-old Dalvin G. Javier Sanchez and 22-year-old Javier M. Criado were taken into custody following a coordinated investigation led by the Somerset County Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force.
The investigation, which concluded on the evening of May 7, 2025, also included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Elizabeth Police Department’s Emergency Services and Narcotics Units, and other supporting agencies.
Law enforcement officers executed two court-authorized search warrants at separate residences on Magnolia Avenue and Murray Street in Elizabeth.
The searches led to the discovery and seizure of eight firearms, including a ghost gun, a stolen handgun, and a Uzi-style weapon.
Authorities also recovered eight high-capacity magazines, hollow-point ammunition, twelve pounds of marijuana, and a significant amount of cash believed to be drug proceeds.
Javier Sanchez is facing multiple charges, including second-degree unlawful possession of firearms, possession of an assault firearm, defaced and stolen firearms, possession of hollow-point bullets, eluding police, and distribution of marijuana.
Criado was similarly charged with several counts of firearms offenses, aggravated assault, conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and eluding law enforcement.
Both suspects were booked at the Somerset County Jail and remain in custody pending court proceedings.