2 NJ Men Caught With So Much Fentanyl, It Could Kill 26 Million

Two New Jersey men were caught with 118 pounds of fentanyl – an extremely potent and dangerous opioid – that's enough to kill 26 million people.

Two milligrams of fentanyl is a lethal dosage, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. That means 118 pounds of fentanyl could kill about 26,761,928 people. It was the largest bust in the history of Nebraska.

The individuals arrested have been identified as Nelson Nicolas Nunez-Acosta, 52, and Felipe Genao Minaya, 47, both of Newark, according to press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Complaints were filed Thursday for the seizure that occurred during an April 26 traffic stop by Nebraska State Patrol Troopers along I-80, just outside of Kearney, Neb., according to the press release.

The seizure of the foil-wrapped fentanyl was initially suspected to be cocaine. This fentanyl seizure surpassed the seizure of more than 36 pounds in October, 2017 in Omaha. Fentanyl is an opioid drug, 40-50 times more potent than heroin.

The New Jersey men are charged with knowingly and intentionally possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl.

Heroin is one of the most potent and addictive drugs known to man—and fentanyl can be up to 50 times as powerful, Attorney General Sessions said in the release.

“It is alarming but true that we are seeing more and more of this drug smuggled into this country and sold on our streets," Sessions said. "Synthetic opioids like fentanyl killed more Americans than any other kind of drug in 2016; in response, the Department of Justice tripled our fentanyl prosecutions in 2017."

“The diligence of these two Troopers is incredible.” said Kelly. “The interdiction of these opioids saved countless lives. This is a multi-faceted problem that we are addressing through enforcement, prevention and treatment. This is an exceptional example of the enforcement work making our streets safer.”

YouTube video/photo of Felipe Genao Minaya (l) and Nelson Nicolas Nunez-Acosta