Juelz Santana was arrested after getting caught trying to bring a pistol and oxycodone on an airplane -- and then fleeing the Newark airport.

He caught somewhat of a break yesterday when Essex Country, New Jersey dropped all three charges against him: being a felon in possession of a firearm, illegal possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled dangerous substance (eight pills of oxycodone)

Juelz has been locked up on identical Federal gun charges since he turned himself in on March 9.  His lawyer is working on getting a bail hearing and a plea bargain. Santana faces up to ten years on the Federal gun charges.