280+ Kilos of Cocaine Seized in Major NJ Drug Investigation

Fort Lee, N.J. — A five-month investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies in New Jersey has unraveled what authorities describe as a significant cocaine and weapons trafficking operation. The investigation resulted in two arrests and the seizure of more than 280 kilos of cocaine, nine handguns, an assault rifle, and approximately $180,000 in cash.

62-year-old Charles Gant of Paramus and 35-year-old Nelson Salcedo of Englewood were both taken into custody without incident.

How It Unfolded

According to the New Jersey State Police, this past April, investigators identified Gant as a distributor of kilogram-quantities of cocaine and firearms operating out of a home in Fort Lee.

Over the following months, detectives mapped out additional locations, vehicles, and co-conspirators tied to his operation spanning New Jersey and New York.

Officials said on August 12th, officers arrested Gant in Fort Lee after watching him complete a suspected drug transaction in New York. Search warrants on his residences and vehicles turned up 15 kilograms of cocaine, one gun, and approximately $180,000 in cash.

Then, on August 25th, warrants were executed on three vehicles seized during Gant's arrest. All three had electronically operated hidden compartments. Inside those compartments, authorities said they discovered eight handguns, an assault rifle, one kilogram of cocaine, and a large amount of ammunition.

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The Alleged Supplier

The following day, August 26th, surveillance teams followed Salcedo, identified by authorities as Gant's cocaine supplier, as he loaded suspected narcotics into his vehicle at a storage facility in Long Island City, NY.

When he drove away, officers stopped him. A search warrant revealed 266 kilos of cocaine inside the vehicle.

Charges

Gant is facing numerous charges, including manufacturing and distribution of CDS, possession of CDS, money laundering, and unlawful possession of a weapon.

Salcedo is facing possession of CDS and possession with intent to distribute charges.

Both men were lodged in jail pending detention hearings. The case is being prosecuted by the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office and the Office of Special Narcotics in New York.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Chris Coleman is a South Jersey native and has been a cornerstone of the Atlantic City radio market since 1998. He serves as Brand Manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and afternoon on-air personality for Cat Country 107.3. A five-time President's Circle award winner and Townsquare Media's 2024 Content Creator of the Year, Chris covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com