A man from Passaic County, New Jersey, has admitted to possessing fentanyl and heroin with the intent to distribute and having a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. U.S. Attorney Alina Habba made the announcement.
Luis Polanco, 35, residing in Wayne, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti. He faced charges of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Court documents reveal that law enforcement investigated Polanco’s drug distribution activities in Passaic, including operations from his residence. His arrest followed searches that uncovered over 40 grams of fentanyl and more than 100 grams of heroin at his home and vehicle. Additionally, authorities found paraphernalia for packaging drugs along with a 9-millimeter semi-automatic handgun and ammunition.
The charges against Polanco carry significant penalties. The drug charge has a mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment with a potential maximum penalty of 40 years and up to $5 million in fines. The firearm possession charge as a felon could result in up to 15 years imprisonment and $250,000 in fines. The charge related to possessing a firearm for drug trafficking mandates at least five years imprisonment consecutive to other sentences, potentially leading to life imprisonment with fines up to $250,000. Sentencing is set for October 21, 2025.
U.S. Attorney Habba credited the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), under Special Agent L.C. Cheeks Jr., the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office led by Camelia M. Valdes, Wayne Township Police Department under Chief Joseph Rooney’s direction, and Paterson Police Department under Officer In Charge Patrick Murray for their roles in this investigation.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels through coordinated efforts involving the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle L. Goldman represents the government while Jason F. Orlando serves as defense counsel for Polanco.
