Passaic County Man Charged in One of the Largest Known Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Seizures in New Jersey History

NEWARK, N.J. - A Passaic County man was charged on Monday with trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine base ("crack") and firearms offenses in one of the largest known drug seizures in New Jersey history, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

"Narcotics, especially fentanyl, and illegal firearms are a deadly combination that poisons our communities and fuels violence. These charges send a clear message to those who seek to profit by flooding our communities with dangerous drugs: our Office will find you, no matter where you hide or how sophisticated you believe your operation to be. This investigation reflects our commitment to shutting down drug trafficking operations and keeping the people of New Jersey safe from the violence and destruction they cause."

- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer

Nankel Stuardo Solorzano, 46, Clifton, New Jersey was charged in a four-count superseding complaint with possessing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine base with intent to distribute it, possessing firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes, and unlawfully possessing firearms as a previously convicted felon.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Solorzano trafficked large quantities of narcotics out of a residential apartment complex in Clifton, New Jersey. Following an investigation, on April 17, 2026, Solorzano was arrested while attempting to access his stash following two drug deals. After his arrest, and pursuant to court-authorized search warrants, law enforcement conducted a search of Solorzano's garages and vehicle and discovered millions of dollars' worth of drugs. Law enforcement seized over 40 kilograms of fentanyl, approximately 52 kilograms of methamphetamine, and more than 2 kilograms of cocaine base. They also recovered four firearms, including a stolen handgun, an AK-47-style rifle equipped with a large capacity magazine, and a 12-gauge shotgun, as well as a variety of ammunition and magazines. Following the charges in the superseding complaint, a court-authorized search warrant revealed an additional significant stash of narcotics in Solorzano's apartment. Evidence from the investigation is depicted below.

The two counts charging Solorzano with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances each carry a maximum potential penalty of life imprisonment, a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment, and a maximum fine of $10 million. The count charging Solorzano with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a maximum potential penalty of life imprisonment, a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years' imprisonment, and a maximum fine of $250,000. The count charging Solorzano with possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon carries a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.

U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer credited with the investigation special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New York Task Force Division Group T-24 under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher Roberts in New York; DEA Charlotte Enforcement Group 2, the New York Police Department, the New York State Police, and the Clifton Police Department.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Ferrara of the General Crimes Unit in conjunction with the Narcotics and International Trafficking Unit in Newark.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Defense counsel: Eric W. Feinberg, Esq.