Local Restaurant Owners Arrested in Drug Raid
RARITAN- Over one hundred drug dealers were arrested this morning,
when a multi-county raid commenced, breaking up a one million dollar per year
drug ring.
Four hundred officers from over 30 precincts seized $13 million worth of cocaine,
guns, and cars, and arrested King Pin Alejandro Anda-Rodriguiez. Anda- Rodriguiez, 35,
of Flemington ran his business out of the back door of Marsilio’s Restaurant in Raritan,
where he worked as head chef. Restaurant co-owner Guy Castaldo was also arrested in
the raid, and is suspected of assisting in the drug ring.
The operation, coined Operation Bulldog, swept across Hunterdon, Essex,
Warren, Middlesex, and Somerset counties at about three o’clock this morning. The
operation, which started from the Flemington-Raritan Police office, was considered
successful. One hundred and ten of the one hundred and fifty arrest warrants were
fulfilled. Also, others were arrested on the scene and were brought up on various
possession, conspiracy, and distribution charges. Several key dealers were also arrested
including two former minor league baseball players, and Danielle DeMary, daughter of
Dukie DeMary of the infamous Luchese crime family.
At the Marsilio’s Restaurant, drugs and firearms were found hidden in pots and
pans. Marsilio’s, which is owned by Guy and Theodore Castaldo of Deal, New Jersey,
has been in operation for about one year and has become a very successful Italian
restaurant. Only Guy Castaldo was arrested in the raid.
“I had suspicion that something was going on, but I couldn’t even imagine that it
was drug related,” said Guy’s brother Theodore. “He was not talking much and he was
always blowing me off; it was a strange attitude. I though maybe it was a relationship
problem, or something, so I did not think much of it. I had no idea what was going on”
However, Dukie DeMary, whose daughter was arrested in the raid, said, “That
man (Theodore) had to be an idiot to not know what was going on.” He was, however,
very disappointed with the drug ring and he says he is not involved.
A patron of Marsilio’s, who witnessed the raid corroborated police reports that
there was little violence. One man did brandish a masheti-like weapon, but there were no
injuries. “We heard the cop cars pull up. The police barged into the kitchen, weapons
drawn, and told everyone to leave. There was no violence that I could see, but I heard a
lot of yelling,” the patron said. She, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was only
at Marsilio’s for her morning coffee, and was not suspected to be involved with the ring.
Michael M. Rubinaccio, Hunterdon County Prosecutor, believed that Operation
Bulldog was very successful. Tom Reno, Hunterdon County Deputy Chief, agreed.
“Arresting the dealers, especially Anda- Rodriguiez, was our main objective. The seizure
of the drugs, firearms, and vehicles was inconsequential, but an added bonus.” Reno
noted that the plan for Bulldog began about three months ago, and it was decided that the
FBI or other higher authorities would not be involved.
Reno also commented on the future of this operation. “We plan on questioning
and prosecuting these individuals. The success of this operation is in the hands of
cooperation of the criminals, which if achieved may lead to other arrests. We hope that
this raid will diminish the drug traffic in Hunterdon County for the next six to eight
months,” Reno said. “No matter what, there are always people looking to buy and sell
drugs, but let them know this: If you are dealing drugs, we will find you!”
Contributed by David Cifelli