Federal and state authorities announced charges on April 29 against four Bergen County, New Jersey residents accused of running a sophisticated drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of cocaine, prescription pills, and other controlled substances. The operation netted significant seizures, including more than $520,000 in cash, dozens of kilograms of narcotics, and multiple firearms.
Kwang Joo, 40, of Palisades Park, stands accused as the organizer of the scheme. He faces first-degree conspiracy charges along with drug possession, distribution, and weapons violations. Also charged are Hannah Oh, 29, also of Palisades Park; Sung Sohn, 45, of Englewood Cliffs; and Benjamin Oser, 41, of Fort Lee.
Investigators from the New Jersey State Police Drug Trafficking North Unit began probing the group in January 2026. On January 14, detectives watched Joo hand off a large black duffel bag in Palisades Park. A traffic stop in Paterson later uncovered nine kilograms of cocaine inside the vehicle. Further surveillance led to the arrest of Oser in Queens, New York, on February 6, where another 14 kilograms of cocaine were recovered from his car.
A court-authorized search of a suspected stash location turned up even more evidence: bulk cash, additional drugs, two handguns, a rifle, and large-capacity ammunition magazines. In total, officials seized 57 kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of ketamine, 250 grams of tusi (also known as pink cocaine), 880 grams of MDMA, over 1,600 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, thousands of Adderall and Xanax pills, marijuana, oxycodone and the substantial cash haul.
DEA New York Task Force Special Agent in Charge Christopher Roberts praised the collaborative effort. “The arrest of these four individuals for their role in running a drug trafficking operation reflects the commitment of the DEA New York Task Force Division when targeting those responsible for flooding our communities with illicit narcotics and prescription medication,” he said. “The DEA’s mission is clear: save lives and target those who threaten them.”
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport highlighted the threat posed by such networks. “Illegal drug trafficking and possession of dangerous weapons continue to be a huge threat to the safety of our residents,” she stated. “The complaints describe a sophisticated network dealing in cocaine and other dangerous drugs while generating large cash proceeds.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch and other leaders echoed the focus on removing both drugs and weapons from circulation. The investigation involved close coordination among the DEA, New Jersey State Police, Division of Criminal Justice, NYPD, and local departments, including Irvington, East Rutherford, and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutors say the defendants moved cocaine and other substances in multi-kilogram quantities, supplying markets in New Jersey and beyond. First-degree charges carry potential sentences of 10 to 20 years in state prison and fines up to $200,000. Lower-level counts bring shorter terms and smaller penalties.
The charges remain accusations at this stage, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. The case is being handled by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office with support from multiple agencies.
This bust adds to ongoing efforts across the region to dismantle mid- to large-scale trafficking organizations that mix traditional street drugs with counterfeit pills and designer substances. Officials say sustained pressure on supply networks remains essential to reducing availability and protecting communities from the violence and addiction tied to these operations.
