Passaic County Man Pleads Guilty To Federal Narcotics Trafficking Offenses
Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 7:45 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
NEWARK, NJ.- A 35-year-old Wayne, New Jersey, man, and Passaic County drug dealer will be facing up to 55 years in federal prison when sentenced after pleading guilty on Monday to federal narcotics and firearms violations.
According to U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, on Monday, June 16, 2025, Luis Polanco, 35, of Wayne, New Jersey, appeared in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Brian R. Martinotti to an indictment charging him with Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person, Convicted Felon; Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
Polanco Could Receive Life In Federal Prison
Following entering his guilty plea, Judge Martinotti accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for October 21, 2025. At that time, Polanco faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in federal prison, and up to a $5 million fine on the narcotics charge. On the charge of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm charge, Polanco faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. For the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Polanco faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years and up to life in federal prison, which must be served consecutively to any of the other sentences imposed.
According to the charging information that was unsealed in the indictment, law enforcement Investigators began an investigation into Polanco’s narcotics distribution within Passaic, New Jersey. During the investigation, Polanco was taken into custody following the execution of a court-authorized search warrant on Polanco’s residence and motor vehicle.
During the search, Investigators located and seized more than 40 grams of fentanyl, more than 100 grams of heroin, as well as other paraphernalia items consistent with drug packaging. Investigators also located and seized a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, 158 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and four rounds of.40-caliber ammunition.
U.S. Attorney Habba commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, as well as the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, the Wayne Township Police Department, and the Paterson Police Department, for the investigation leading to Polanco’s guilty plea.
