35 Pounds Of Hidden Fentanyl Found In Newark Duo's Compartment: Cops

NEWARK, NJ — Two Newark men have been arrested for their role in a fentanyl and cocaine dealing ring, federal investigators say.

Ramon Suero, 45, and Franklin Mambru, 39, now face a slew of drug charges after several pounds of narcotics were found in their possession, authorities say.

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Investigators believed the pair were trafficking large quantities of narcotics out of a residential building in Newark.

A court-ordered search of that building on Tuesday yielded more than 35 pounds of fentanyl and nearly two pounds of cocaine, police say. Authorities added that a portion of the drugs were found in a hidden trap compartment that could only be opened with remote key fobs.

Police also seized a gun with a large-capacity magazine attached containing around 51 rounds of 9-millimeter ammunition, officials said.

Suero and Mambru are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and maintaining a drug-involved premises.

Suero is also charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The pair could face up to life in prison and have to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines if convicted of their charges.