Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of 30-year-old TRISTAN COLQUHOUN of Paterson, NJ on charges of drug distribution, weapons related offenses, and receiving stolen property. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Matthew Finck and the Suffern (NY) Police Department under the direction of Police Chief Andrew Loughlin.
On Friday, February 16, 2024, at approximately 3:37 p.m., the Suffern (NY) Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting an adult male who was unresponsive in the upstairs bedroom of a residence. Despite life saving measures, including the administration of Naloxone, the victim was pronounced deceased and identified as 39-year-old Matthew Andreas of Suffern, New York.
It was subsequently determined that the victim ingested fentanyl in an apparent drug overdose, and indicators of drug activity in the Bergen County area were also noted. As such, detectives from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotic Task Force were notified by the Suffern (NY) Police Department about the incident. A months-long investigation was initiated by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Suffern (NY) Police Department into the death of Matthew Andreas and the related drug activity. The investigation revealed that TRISTAN COLQUHOUN of Paterson, NJ distributed narcotics to the victim in Bergen County, which included a fentanyl-laced substance.
As a result of the investigation, on Friday, May 3, 2024, a search warrant was executed at the residence of TRISTAN COLQUHOUN in Paterson, New Jersey by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotic Task Force, alongside detectives from the Suffern (NY) Police Department. During the course of the search warrant, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office detectives recovered various narcotics evidence, including suspected fentanyl. Additionally, two handguns, including one that was determined to be stolen, were recovered from the residence. COLQUHOUN was arrested by the Bergen County Narcotic Task Force without incident.
TRISTAN COLQUHOUN was charged with second-degree possession of a firearm while attempting to commit or conspire to commit a violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5, while in violation of 2C:39-4.1; second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7(1); second-degree possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5B(4); third-degree possession of stolen property belonging to another, N.J.S.A. 2C:20-7A; third-degree distribution of fentanyl, N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5B(5); third-degree possession with the intent to distribute Alprazolam, N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5B(13); third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10A(1); and fourth-degree possession of a large capacity magazine, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3J.
TRISTAN COLQUHOUN was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack, NJ. The investigation into the fatal dose of narcotics ingested by the victim remains ongoing and additional charges are possible.
“While we work tirelessly to hold accountable those who peddle in such dangerous substances, it is imperative that we all recognize the inherent dangers of narcotic use given how fentanyl-laced substances are pervasive in the world of street drugs,” said Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella. “We are seeing multiple deaths even from small doses of powders and pills bought and sold on the streets. Addiction is a relentless adversary but help and support are available. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please reach out to local resources for assistance. Here in Bergen County, we encourage our residents to call 201-589-2976 or visit www.StopTheODs.com.”
Prosecutor Musella states that the charges are merely accusations, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Prosecutor Musella thanks the Suffern (NY) Police Department for their assistance in this investigation, as well as the Garfield Police Department, which participates in the Bergen County Narcotic Task Force.
