In a major raid carried out earlier this month, authorities in Somerset County, New Jersey, seized a cache of illegal firearms and narcotics, including a ghost gun, an Uzi-style weapon, and over a dozen pounds of marijuana. Two men from Elizabeth were arrested following the high-stakes operation, which officials say was part of an ongoing crackdown on organized crime and illegal weapons in the state.
On Tuesday, May 7, 2025, officers from multiple agencies executed coordinated search warrants at two locations in Elizabeth—one on Magnolia Avenue and the other on Murray Street. The operation was led by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force, with assistance from the Elizabeth Police Department and federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
According to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, the raid resulted in the arrest of two men: Dalvin G. Javier Sanchez, 23, and Javier M. Criado, 22, both residents of Elizabeth. The duo now faces a series of serious charges.
What Authorities Found
During the raid, law enforcement officers recovered an alarming array of weapons and drugs:
- Eight handguns, including:
- An Uzi-style assault weapon
- A ghost gun (untraceable and assembled without serial numbers)
- A handgun reported as stolen
- Eight high-capacity magazines
- Hollow-point ammunition
- Approximately 12 pounds of marijuana
- A significant amount of cash, suspected to be the proceeds from illegal drug sales
The seized ghost gun has raised particular concern among officials. These weapons, often made from kits or 3D-printed parts, can be obtained without background checks and are not registered—making them difficult to trace. Their growing presence on the streets has been flagged as a major public safety issue by law enforcement agencies across the country.
“This investigation and seizure are part of our ongoing effort to eliminate illegal weapons and dangerous narcotics from our communities,” said Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald. “These arrests highlight the importance of joint operations and coordination between local and federal authorities.”
Charges Filed
Both Sanchez and Criado are facing multiple criminal charges stemming from the raid. These include:
- Second-degree unlawful possession of firearms
- Possession and sale of illegal firearms
- Possession of an assault firearm (Uzi-style)
- Possession of high-capacity magazines
- Possession of hollow-point bullets
- Possession with intent to distribute marijuana (over 5 pounds)
- Conspiracy to distribute controlled dangerous substances
In addition to the above, Criado is also charged with second-degree aggravated assault and conspiracy in connection to an unrelated incident uncovered during the investigation.
Authorities say both suspects are currently being held at the Somerset County Jail. They are awaiting detention hearings in Somerset County Superior Court. It remains unclear if either has retained legal representation.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the investigation is still active. Detectives are working to determine the full scope of the firearms and drug operation, including any possible links to larger distribution networks or other individuals involved.
Officials are urging the public to come forward with any additional information related to this case. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the STOPit app, available on both Apple and Android devices. Users can submit information using access code SOMERSETNJ.
Law enforcement across the state continues to emphasize the importance of community involvement in keeping neighborhoods safe from the spread of illegal weapons and drugs. This case, authorities say, is just one of many efforts being taken to target high-risk offenders and dangerous contraband making its way into New Jersey streets.
