5 gang members busted in West New York with $20k worth of cocaine.
Five gang members of the Trinitarios Dominican street gang were arrested were arrested in a West New York drug bust where roughly $20,000 in cocaine was recovered following a four-month probe, authorities said.
From left to right: Wanderson Ceballo-Ramos, Ingri Cruz-Villatoro, Wellington Cruz, Angel Diaz, and Christian Gomez. Photos courtesy of the West New York Police Department.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Wanderson Ceballo-Ramos, 25, of Guttenberg; Ingri Cruz-Villatoro, 31, of Guttenberg: Wellington Cruz, 23, of West New York; Angel Diaz, 25, of Weehawken; and Christian Gomez, 34, of Union City were taken into custody without incident during the execution of a series of court authorized search warrants on August 31, 2023, police said.
The arrests are the result of a thorough and coordinated effort by the West New York Police Anti-Crime Unit, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Violent Gang Task Force, and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Gang Task Force targeting a network responsible for the distribution of illegal narcotics within our community.
The investigation was conducted in response to heightened concerns about the impact of drug distribution on public safety.
During the execution of multiple search and arrest warrants, a large quantity of cocaine and crack/cocaine with an estimated street value of $20,000 were seized.
In addition, a large sum of cash, in denominations consistent with drug distribution; and two loaded handguns, one of which was reported stolen, were also recovered.
“I commend the diligent efforts of our Anti-Crime Unit and our law enforcement partners in executing a thorough and effective operation to apprehend those allegedly involved in drug distribution,” West New York Police Director Alejandro De Rojas said in a statement.
“The collaboration between the West New York Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office highlights our commitment to ensuring the safety of our community. We will continue to work tirelessly to address public safety concerns and maintain the well-being of our residents. These arrests underscore the dedication of our officers and the importance of community cooperation in keeping our streets safe.”
Ceballo-Ramos and Cruz-Villatoro face charges including distribution of a controlled substance (crack cocaine); distribution of CDS within 1,000 feet of a school, distribution of CDS within 500 feet of public property, possession of CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia, and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
Additionally, Cruz was charged with possession of CDS, possession of burglary tools, and tampering with public records or information.
Diaz faces charges of distribution of CDS (crack cocaine), distribution of CDS within 1,000 feet of a school, distribution of CDS within 500 feet of public property, and possession of CDS (crack cocaine).
Finally, Gomez is charged with distribution of CDS (crack cocaine), distribution of CDS within 1,000 feet of a school, distribution of CDS within 500 feet of public property, possession of CDS (crack cocaine), possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, certain persons not to have a weapon, two counts of possessing prohibited weapon, and receiving stolen property.
“Street gangs peddling cocaine and other dangerous narcotics operate with a wanton disregard for the communities in which they live,” added HSI Newark acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso.
“We commend the West New York Police Department and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office for their collaboration on this investigation into one of the networks allegedly responsible for flooding our neighborhoods with drugs and related violence.”