Story by Ethan
On November 19th, 2025, the arrest of Carlos E. Tavarez-Sanchez and Carlos Martinez, ages 37 and 45, was announced by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. Carlos E. Tavarez-Sanchez and Carlos Martinez were charged with first-degree Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance, second-degree Conspiracy, second-degree Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity, third-degree Possession of CDS, and third-degree Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance Within 1,000 Feet of School Property. The arrest and charges against Carlos E. Tavarez-Sanchez and Carlos Martinez were a result of an investigation handled by detectives from the New Jersey State Police and the Division of Criminal Justice.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, a Jeep under Carlos E. Tavarez-Sanchez’ name was being transported from Texas to New Jersey when New Jersey State Police (NJSP) detectives obtained a court-authorized search warrant for the vehicle. The car was reported to be transporting large amounts of illegal narcotics in bulk using a hidden car carrier. On July 15th, 2025, a motor vehicle stop was performed on the Jeep as well as a Porsche driving alongside it. At the time of the motor vehicle stop Carlos Martinez was driving the Jeep and Carlos E. Tavarez-Sanchez was driving the Porsche. A search of the Jeep uncovered approximately 10 kilograms of alleged cocaine hidden in a concealed compartment, and both Carlos E. Tavarez-Sanchez and Carlos Martinez were subsequently detained and charged after being taken into custody. A court-authorized search warrant was issued for Carlos E. Tavarez-Sanchez residence in the Eastside neighborhood of Paterson, New Jersey. During the execution of the search warrant detectives discovered $87,000 in U.S. currency and a ledger detailing transactions for drug deals and transportation with car carrier companies for the Jeep.
The Attorney General’s Office stated that the charges against Carlos E. Tavarez-Sanchez and Carlos Martinez are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
