Breaking Bad: Fugitive Meth Kingpin Caught In South Jersey

A 49-year-old methamphetamine kingpin was caught in New Jersey this weekend after disappearing for nearly two years, according to the State Police.

Ending a saga that seemed to resemble the much-acclaimed "Breaking Bad" series, Russell Carter, 49, of San Jose, Calif. had been wanted for failing to appear for sentencing on a 10-year conviction of distribution of methamphetamine, police said.

A warrant was issued for Carter, a known affiliate gang member of the Pagan’s Motor Cycle Club in California, in July 2016. Ironically, the meth kingpin in "Breaking Bad," Walter White, escaped to New Hampshire for 6 months after he was caught running a meth operation out of New Mexico.

Carter's arrest also happened on the 10th anniversary of the airing of the AMC program's first episode.

On Saturday, members of the NJSP Fugitive Unit, U.S. Marshals Service NY/NJ Regional Task Force, troopers from Red Lion Station, Troop “C” Criminal Investigations Office, and the NJSP K-9 Unit located and arrested Carter, who was staying at a residence in Tabernacle in South Jersey.

When detectives arrived on scene, they were able to persuade Carter to surrender without incident. He was lodged in Camden City Jail where he is awaiting extradition to California, police said.

"Great job by all involved for making our streets safer," the State Police announced on Facebook.

An investigation into the incident is continuing.

NJSP photo