United States Drug Enforcement Administration

NEW YORK – United States Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) New York Task Force Division Special Agent in Charge Chrsitopher Roberts, United States Attorney for the District if New Jersey Robert Frazer, New York City Police Department (“NYPD”) Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, and New York State Police (“NYSP”) Superintendent Stephen James, announce that 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.

“Thanks to the outstanding work our DEA New York Task Force Division and our dedicated law enforcement partners, who successfully targeted and dismantled a wholesale poly-drug trafficking organization that has been poisoning our communities with illicit narcotics for far too long” stated DEA Northeast Associate Chief of Operations Frank Tarentino. “In particular, this area of the region is often exploited by drug trafficking organizations as a hub to transport and distribute their illicit and dangerous narcotics throughout the Northeast corridor of the United States. The DEA remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting our communities and safeguarding our nation”

This operation, which resulted in the seizure of over 100 kilos of illicit drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy), and crack cocaine, along with the recovery of four firearms, highlights the relentless work that our DEA Task Force team and partners in the NYPD and NYSP demonstrate every day to protect to communities” stated DEA New York Task Force Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Roberts. “Most notably, this seizure included 42.7 kilos of fentanyl powder, which depending on the potency, could equate up to approximately 5 million deadly doses: nearly half the population of New Jersey. Make no mistake; this wasn’t just a bust; this was a life-saving operation.”

“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” stated U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer

“This case underscores just how dangerous these illicit poisons truly are,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “Even the smallest trace of fentanyl can be deadly, and the amount of narcotics seized here had the potential to take the lives of millions of people. Thanks to our efforts, this operation has been shut down and over 100 kilos of drugs and four firearms — including an AK-47 rifle and a shotgun — were removed before they could ever reach New York City streets. We are proud to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure this criminal is held fully accountable.”

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, "This case reflects the scale of the threat posed by individuals who traffic deadly narcotics while arming themselves with illegal weapons. This significant seizure prevented dangerous drugs from reaching our communities and took illegal firearms off the streets.  This investigation demonstrates the strength of the partnerships between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies working together to identify and dismantle major drug trafficking operations.”

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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