TRENTON, N.J. – Luiz Vargas, a 25-year-old from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, known on the streets as “El Biggie,” is facing serious federal charges after being busted for allegedly flooding Ocean County, New Jersey with illegal firearms. Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba announced Vargas’ arrest today, sending a clear message that gun trafficking won’t be tolerated.
Vargas is charged with one count of trafficking in firearms. He made his initial appearance in Trenton federal court on August 11, 2025, and was immediately detained. The feds say Vargas wasn’t just moving guns; he was sourcing them from states like Texas and Maryland, bringing them across state lines to arm criminals on the streets of New Jersey.
The investigation, which kicked off in January 2025, revealed a disturbing pattern. Law enforcement utilized a confidential source to conduct four controlled purchases from Vargas. The haul? Eight firearms total – two semiautomatic rifles and six handguns. But it wasn’t just the quantity that raised red flags. Two of those handguns were confirmed stolen, originating from Texas and Colorado. Even more concerning, the two semiautomatic rifles had their serial numbers completely scrubbed off, rendering them untraceable.
The operation wasn’t strictly about guns, either. According to court documents, Vargas attempted to supply cocaine to the confidential source when he couldn’t deliver on a promised firearms deal. This suggests a willingness to engage in other criminal activity, further cementing his status as a dangerous player. Vargas has no federal license to legally deal or manufacture firearms, meaning this was a completely illegal operation.
If convicted, Vargas is looking at a maximum sentence of 15 years behind bars and a hefty fine of up to $250,000. The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with significant assistance from a laundry list of local and federal agencies, including ICE, and multiple New Jersey police departments. Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy of the FBI’s Newark field office spearheaded the federal effort.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Garelick is prosecuting the case. It’s crucial to remember that these are just allegations at this point, and Vargas is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Andrea Aldana, Esq., of the Federal Public Defenders, is representing Vargas. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available.
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Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Organized Crime|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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