By: Richard L. Smith
Wayne police and several law enforcement partners say a long-running narcotics investigation led to major drug and weapons seizures in East Orange and the arrest of three suspects earlier this year.
According to information released by the Wayne Police Department, the investigation began sometime last year when the department’s Special Operations Unit developed intelligence related to suspected drug distribution activity.
Authorities said the unit then partnered with the New Jersey State Police Strategic Investigations Unit–North and Homeland Security Investigations in Newark to continue the case.
After months of investigation, officials said detectives identified multiple suspects tied to the operation.
On February 17, 2026, members of those agencies, along with the New Jersey State Police TEAMS Unit, carried out raids and takedowns at several locations in East Orange.
Authorities said the enforcement action resulted in the seizure of approximately 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, 20 bags of heroin, and about an ounce of methamphetamine.
Investigators also recovered drug packaging materials, scales, presses, cutting agents, and other equipment believed to be connected to a narcotics distribution facility.
In addition to the drugs and equipment, officials said more than $30,000 in suspected drug proceeds was confiscated. Detectives also seized a .380-caliber handgun and a .556-caliber assault-style rifle during the operation.
Police announced that three people were arrested and charged in connection with the investigation.
Fabian Ramos-Torres, 34, of East Orange, is charged with first-degree possession with intent to distribute cocaine, first-degree maintaining a controlled dangerous substance manufacturing facility, second-degree possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, second-degree possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, second-degree conspiracy, second-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school, third-degree tampering with evidence, and fourth-degree possession of drug packaging materials.
Jimmy Candelario, 44, of Linden, is charged with first-degree possession with intent to distribute cocaine, first-degree maintaining a controlled dangerous substance manufacturing facility, second-degree possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, second-degree possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, second-degree unlawful possession of a short-barreled assault rifle with controlled dangerous substances, second-degree unlawful possession of a short-barreled assault rifle, second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun with controlled dangerous substances, second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun, second-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school, third-degree possession with intent to distribute heroin, third-degree tampering with evidence, third-degree money laundering, and fourth-degree possession of drug packaging materials.
Nydia Rivera, 47, of Newark, is charged with first-degree possession with intent to distribute cocaine, first-degree maintaining a controlled dangerous substance manufacturing facility, second-degree possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, second-degree possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, second-degree unlawful possession of a short-barreled assault rifle with controlled dangerous substances, second-degree unlawful possession of a short-barreled assault rifle, second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun with controlled dangerous substances, second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun, second-degree conspiracy, second-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school, third-degree possession with intent to distribute heroin, third-degree tampering with evidence, third-degree money laundering, and fourth-degree possession of drug packaging materials.
The investigation remains part of ongoing efforts by local, state, and federal agencies to target narcotics distribution and illegal weapons activity in North Jersey.