$520K cash, massive drug haul, weapons seized in Bergen County drug trafficking takedown

BERGEN COUNTY, New Jersey (WABC) -- Four Bergen County residents are facing charges for their alleged roles in a major drug trafficking operation that moved large quantities of drugs between New Jersey and New York.

Authorities say the case resulted in the seizure of about $520,000 in cash, dozens of kilograms of drugs, and several weapons.

Prosecutors say Kwang Joo, 40, of Palisades Park, ran the operation. He's charged with first-degree conspiracy and multiple drug, weapons, and money-related offenses.

Investigators believe he organized the distribution of cocaine, ketamine, MDMA (ecstasy), Adderall, Xanax, psilocybin mushrooms, tusi or "pink cocaine," oxycodone, and marijuana, and handled large amounts of cash tied to the sales.

Three others were also arrested: Hannah Oh, 29, of Palisades Park; Sung Sohn, 45, of Englewood Cliffs; and Benjamin Oser, 41, of Fort Lee. Authorities say each played a role in moving or storing drugs as part of the operation.

Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said the case shows how dangerous and organized these operations can be. "Illegal drug trafficking and possession of dangerous weapons continue to be a huge threat to the safety of our residents," she said, adding that law enforcement will continue working together to dismantle networks like this.

The investigation began in January 2026, when New Jersey State Police detectives spotted a suspected drug handoff in Palisades Park.

A traffic stop later that day in Paterson led to the discovery of nine kilograms of cocaine inside a duffle bag.

Weeks later, detectives arrested Oser in Queens after allegedly watching him pick up drugs from Joo. A search of his vehicle turned up 14 kilograms of cocaine.

Investigators say they later uncovered additional transactions, including one involving a suitcase that allegedly held 33 kilograms of cocaine.

Searches of suspected stash locations revealed large amounts of drugs, bulk cash, two handguns, a rifle, and high-capacity ammunition magazines.

Altogether, authorities seized 57 kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of ketamine, hundreds of grams of MDMA, tusi, and psilocybin mushrooms, tens of thousands of Adderall pills, marijuana, Xanax, oxycodone, and $520,000 in cash.

Law enforcement officials from state and federal agencies credited close cooperation for the takedown. A DEA official said the arrests reflect a commitment to targeting groups "responsible for flooding our communities with illicit narcotics and prescription medication."

If convicted, the most serious charges carry potential sentences of 10 to 20 years in prison.