WCNYH

Two Lashers Suspended After Arrest in “Operation Short Storm” for Drug Conspiracy

September 11, 2019

    Today, the Waterfront Commission temporarily suspended the registrations of lashers Jose Garcia Paz, age 38, of Newark, New Jersey, and Juan P. Martinez, age 43, of Belford, New Jersey, pending the outcome of an administrative hearing for conspiracy to violate New Jersey narcotics laws. As lashers, they had been responsible for the lashing of containers of cargo or automobiles in the Port of New York and New Jersey for which Garcia Paz earned $101,896.30 and Martinez earned $147,137.95 from their respective employers in 2018.

    Both Garcia Paz and Martinez had been arrested in connection with “Operation Short Storm,” an investigation by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office of an alleged $1.1 million drug ring that authorities alleged was a “retail business on wheels,” delivering drugs directly to buyers at their homes and other locations. Reportedly, authorities seized about 23,000 grams of marijuana, two kilos of cocaine, seven guns, twelve vehicles, and nearly $300,000.

    Garcia Paz and Martinez were among 47 people charged in connection with “Operation Short Storm.” Both lashers were charged with a conspiracy to violate New Jersey’s narcotics laws. As a result of their arrests, the Commission ordered the suspension of their registrations pending an administrative hearing to evaluate whether their presence at the piers or other waterfront terminals in the Port of New York District is a danger to the public peace or safety.

    The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is prosecuting the criminal matter.