FORT LEE, N.J.—A regional narcotics enforcement dragnet closed in on seven suspects in Fort Lee on Oct. 16, seizing illegal substances valued at about $500,000 on the black market, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said.
“During the month of October 2019, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotic Task Force received information that several individuals were involved in the distribution of large quantities of Marijuana and THC Hash Oil vaporizer cartridges in New York City and Bergen County,” said Musella.
“On Oct. 16, these individuals were arrested without incident in Fort Lee, by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotic Task Force with the assistance of the Fort Lee Police Department and Bergen County Regional SWAT Team,” Musella said.
Defendant Candy Cheung, 41, of Staten Island, N.Y., was in possession of 41 pounds of marijuana when she was arrested, said Musella. Defendant Guoqiang Wu, 29, of Brooklyn, N.Y., had 3,000 THC hash oil vaporizer cartridges when arrested, said Musella.
Shortly thereafter in a separate operation, five more suspects were arrested, Musella said.
Sheng Dong, 45, of Brooklyn, N.Y., and De Ying Li, 39, of Brooklyn, N.Y., were in possession of 40 pounds of marijuana, Musella said.
Also arrested with what Musella said was 3,000 THC hash oil vaporizer cartridges: Luxia Chen, 36, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Guanglei Jiao, 42, of Flushing, N.Y., and Yang Liu, 36, of Brooklyn, N.Y.
“In total, approximately 81 pounds of Marijuana, 6,000 THC Hash Oil vaporizer cartridges, and $4,106.00 were seized. The estimated street value of the controlled dangerous substances is approximately $500,000,” said Musella.
Cheung, Dong, and Ying Li were each charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, namely marijuana, in a quantity greater than 25 pounds, a first degree crime.
Wu, Chen, Jiao and Liu were each charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, namely hash oil, in a quantity greater than five pounds, a first degree crime.
“Prosecutor Musella states that the charges are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and he would also like to thank the Fort Lee Police Department and the Bergen County Regional SWAT Team for their assistance in this investigation,” the BCPO said.
