Two Indicted, 10 Kilos of Cocaine Found in Car, $87K Seized from Home

State grand jury charges suspects in alleged interstate trafficking scheme uncovered after coordinated vehicle stop and residential search.

Two men have been indicted on multiple drug charges after investigators uncovered approximately 10 kilograms of suspected cocaine concealed in a hidden vehicle compartment and seized nearly $90,000 in cash from a Paterson residence, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, the Division of Criminal Justice, and the New Jersey State Police announced.

“Recovering several kilograms of narcotics from the vehicle—and a large amount of cash from the residence—highlights the very real danger posed by individuals who choose to profit at the expense of our communities. Drug traffickers don’t just move illegal substances; they fuel addiction, incite violence, and jeopardize the safety and stability of the families who call these neighborhoods home,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.

Following a months-long investigation, a state grand jury indicted Carlos E. Tavarez‑Sanchez, 37, of Paterson, and Carlos Martinez, 45, of New York City, for their alleged roles in an interstate drug trafficking operation. Both defendants are charged with first-degree possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance (CDS), second-degree conspiracy, third-degree CDS possession, and third-degree possession with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of school property. Tavarez‑Sanchez faces an additional second-degree charge of financial facilitation of criminal activity.

“We allege these suspects brought bulk quantities of cocaine to New Jersey from out of state, contributing to a black market that destroys lives and afflicts our streets with violence,” said DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton.

The investigation began in December 2024 through the New Jersey State Police Drug Trafficking North Unit. Detectives obtained a search warrant for a Jeep allegedly used by Tavarez‑Sanchez that had been transported from Texas to New Jersey by a car carrier. Investigators later developed information suggesting the vehicle was being used to move bulk quantities of narcotics.

On July 15, 2025, troopers conducted a coordinated stop of the Jeep and a Porsche traveling with it. According to the complaint, a search of the Jeep revealed about 10 kilograms of suspected cocaine concealed in an aftermarket secret compartment. Martinez, who was driving the Jeep, and Tavarez‑Sanchez, who was operating the Porsche, were arrested.

A subsequent court-authorized search of Tavarez‑Sanchez’s Eastside Paterson home resulted in the seizure of $87,000 in cash. Investigators also recovered a ledger outlining drug transactions and detailing fees paid to car carrier companies for shipping the Jeep to Texas.

“It took months of patient and meticulous investigative work to build this case and secure this indictment,” said Attorney General Platkin.

All charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

First-degree offenses carry potential sentences of 10 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $200,000. Second-degree charges may result in five to 10 years in prison and fines up to $150,000, while third-degree charges carry penalties of three to five years in prison and fines up to $15,000.

Deputy Attorney General Anna Gildea is prosecuting the case for the Division of Criminal Justice.