SOMERSET COUNTY, N.J. — Two Elizabeth men were arrested following a multi-agency investigation that resulted in the seizure of multiple illegal firearms, high-capacity magazines, drugs, and cash, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald announced Monday.
Dalvin G. Javier Sanchez, 23, and Javier M. Criado, 22, both of Elizabeth, were arrested on May 7 after search warrants were executed at residences on Magnolia Avenue and Murray Street in Elizabeth. The operation was carried out by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Elizabeth Police Department Emergency Services Unit, and the Elizabeth Police Department Narcotics Unit.
Authorities said the searches yielded eight handguns, including an Uzi-style weapon, a ghost gun, and a stolen firearm, along with eight high-capacity magazines and hollow-point ammunition. Investigators also seized approximately 12 pounds of marijuana and a quantity of U.S. currency believed to be proceeds from illegal activity.
Javier Sanchez was charged with multiple weapons offenses including four counts of second-degree possession of a firearm, second-degree possession of an assault firearm, and five counts of second-degree possession and illegal sale of a firearm. He also faces charges related to hollow-point ammunition, high-capacity magazines, a defaced firearm, receiving stolen property, eluding, and marijuana possession with intent to distribute.
Criado was charged with second-degree distribution of marijuana, weapons offenses including possession of firearms while committing a drug offense, and second-degree aggravated assault, among other charges. He also faces counts of conspiracy, receiving stolen property, and eluding.
Both were lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a court appearance.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force at (908) 231-7100 or submit an anonymous tip through the STOPit app, using the access code SOMERSETNJ. Tips can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All tips will be kept confidential.
