Top: Abbas Sayed, Frank Preziosi, James Marra. Bottom: Miguel Rosa, Leila Helou, Samer Helou

By Cecilia Levine From Daily Voice

Six people have been charged in connection with a large-scale marijuana distribution operation that stretched across four New Jersey counties, authorities announced Monday, Nov. 24.

In December 2023, detectives from the Bergen County Prosecutor's Narcotic Task Force, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), began investigating a marijuana distribution operation in Bergen County, Prosecutor Mark Musella said. As the investigation progressed, authorities determined the suspected network extended into Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties.

On Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, detectives executed multiple court-authorized search warrants at the homes of several suspects, including Samer J. Helou, of Fairfield; Leila Helou, of West Caldwell; Frank A. Preziosi, of West Orange; and Abbas Sayed, of West Caldwell, along with additional related properties. Arrest warrants were also executed for James A. Marra, of Belleville, and Miguel A. Rosa, of West New York, Musella said.

Detectives seized more than $500,000 in cash, over 200 pounds of marijuana, various drug paraphernalia, and hundreds of packaged cannabis products prepared for distribution, according to the release.

All six defendants were arrested on Nov. 19 and charged as follows, prosecutors said:

  • Frank A. Preziosi: charged with first-degree possession with intent to distribute marijuana in an amount greater than 25 lbs., second-degree conspiracy, and third-degree money laundering.
  • Samer J. Helou: charged with second-degree conspiracy and third-degree money laundering.
  • Leila Helou: charged with second-degree conspiracy and third-degree money laundering.
  • James A. Marra: charged with second-degree conspiracy and third-degree money laundering.
  • Miguel A. Rosa: charged with second-degree conspiracy and third-degree money laundering.
  • Abbas Sayed: charged with second-degree conspiracy and third-degree money laundering.

All of the defendants were taken to the Bergen County Jail, made first appearances in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack, and were ordered released pending further court action, officials said.