FORT LEE, N.J. — A five-month investigation into suspected cocaine and firearms trafficking across New Jersey and New York has led to the arrests of two Bergen County men and the seizure of more than 280 kilograms of cocaine, nine handguns, an assault rifle, ammunition and about $180,000 in cash.
Authorities identified the defendants as 62-year-old Charles Gant of Paramus and 35-year-old Nelson Salcedo of Englewood. Investigators say the case involved multiple locations and vehicles and extended from Bergen County into New York City.
The investigation began in April, when authorities identified Gant as an alleged distributor of kilogram quantities of cocaine and firearms operating from a residence in Fort Lee. Investigators then spent several months tracking vehicles, locations and people they believed were connected to the operation.
Gant was arrested Aug. 12 after investigators allegedly observed him completing a suspected drug transaction in New York. Searches of his residences and vehicles resulted in the seizure of about 15 kilograms of cocaine, a handgun and approximately $180,000 in cash.
Investigators continued examining three vehicles seized during Gant’s arrest. When warrants were executed on Aug. 25, authorities found that all three vehicles had electronically operated hidden compartments. The compartments contained eight additional handguns, an assault rifle, ammunition and another kilogram of cocaine.
The investigation then turned toward Salcedo, whom authorities identified as an alleged supplier. Investigators had been watching him make suspected cocaine deliveries in Manhattan, including near the northern end of Central Park, during August.
Authorities said Salcedo was observed making deliveries on Aug. 12 and Aug. 19. Investigators followed his movements and eventually connected him to a self-storage facility at 41-02 Northern Boulevard in Long Island City, Queens.
On Aug. 26, investigators allegedly watched Salcedo make two trips into the storage facility before returning with cardboard boxes. He was then observed loading boxes into a Nissan van and was detained by officers.
A court-authorized search uncovered 19 boxes containing approximately 230 brick-shaped packages of suspected cocaine. Twelve boxes were inside the vehicle and seven were on the ground nearby. The total seizure was approximately 266 kilograms, or more than 580 pounds, of suspected cocaine. Field testing indicated the substance was cocaine, while laboratory analysis was still pending in the latest public information.
Officials estimated the seized cocaine had a street value of more than $10 million. The seizure was described by New York authorities as the NYPD’s largest cocaine seizure in at least a decade, while the city’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor’s Office said it appeared to be its largest single cocaine seizure in 20 years.
The investigation involved the DEA’s New Jersey Field Division, New Jersey State Police, NYPD, Port Authority Police Department, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and New York City’s Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor. Authorities said the New York seizure was connected to the broader investigation into cocaine trafficking between New Jersey and New York.
Gant faces multiple charges, including allegations involving the manufacture and distribution of controlled dangerous substances, possession of controlled dangerous substances, money laundering and unlawful possession of a weapon.
Salcedo faces criminal possession charges related to controlled substances, including first- and third-degree charges in New York.
Both cases remain active. The broader investigation is continuing, and authorities have indicated that additional arrests or seizures could follow.
The charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
