Prosecutor: $385,000 In Drug Cash Leads To Cocaine Haul In Palisades Park

PALISADES PARK, N.J. – An unemployed Palisades Park man who was carrying more than $65,000 in drug proceeds in his car when police stopped it in Fort Lee had nearly $320,000 more in his apartment – along with almost nine pounds of cocaine, authorities charged.

Jose Baez
Photo Credit: *MUGSHOT: Courtesy BERGEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR*

Jerry DeMarco

02/27/2017 3:08 p.m.

Jose Baez, 44, drew attention from the DEA after detectives from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office made the stop on Friday, county Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal said Monday.

They found $63,500 in electronically-controlled compartment in the vehicle, in addition to $2,358 that he was carrying, Grewal said.

Detectives then obtained search warrant for the West Harriet Avenue apartment and brought members of the county sheriff’s office on Friday’s raid, the prosecutor said.

A judge ordered Baez held pending a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack.

He’s charged with possession with the intent to distribute the drugs and possession of suspected rug proceeds.

Grewal thanked the DEA and Sheriff Michael Saudino for their roles in the bust.

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