An illegal nightclub scene that has operated for years in Paterson, according to the city’s top police officer, is the target of a new police task force that will try to block a criminal pipeline he says stretches across the river to New York.

“We’re importing problems. We’re bringing problems in from New York, other counties, from other cities around New Jersey — bringing them into Paterson because this has gone on unchecked for far too long. Everybody agrees this is a cancer on the city,” said Officer in Charge Isa Abbassi.

“These are not just places for people to drink. These are places where you see human trafficking, you see narcotics, you see assaults, you see victimization.” Abbassi said. “Nearly one in five shootings stem from — or have some nexus to — illegal nightlife activities.”

Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh, said, “part of the problem is the lack of regulation. They feel they can operate without any fear of any consequences.” 

Sayegh, who opposed the state attorney general’s takeover of the Paterson Police Department, does support this plan, which will partner police with the state divisions of Criminal Justice and Alcoholic Beverage Control, plus county and local resources, and will prosecute both criminal and civil offenses.

“The owner of the property, the patrons themselves, the person in control of the premises the night we get there, the DJ — everybody is going to be subject to the strictest enforcement possible,” Abbassi said. “And it’s going to be costly,” noting city officials are looking into maximum fines.

The Nightclub Task Force will hit the ground running starting this spring, Abbassi said.