Guilty Plea in Large Scale Narcotics Bust in Cape May County: Prosecutor

A Philadelphia man has pleaded guilty to dealing heroin in connection with last year’s large-scale narcotics bust known as “Operation Dreamchaser,” Cape May County Prosecutor Robert L. Taylor said on Thursday. The Ocean City Police Department participated in that bust, which began in January of last year.

Ariel Rodriguez, 22, pleaded guilty to one count of first degree distribution of heroin. He was also indicted on second-degree conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance and third-degree conspiracy to possess a controlled dangerous substance charges.

On March 24, Rodriguez admitted he traveled from Philadelphia to Cape May County for the purpose of delivering 50 grams of heroin which equals 2,500 bags with a street value of over $25,000 to Javier Alicia-Garcia in exchange for money.

Alicia-Garcia was indicted on first-degree charges of leading a narcotics trafficking network as part of the bust, which included the indictment of 15 total people and the seizure of over 20,000 bags of heroin worth over $305,000 dollars; approximately four ounces of cocaine worth about $5,600; $348,903 in Unites States currency; 10 firearms, three of which were handguns; 25 vehicles; and two residential properties.

He was also indicted on charges of first-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, second-degree conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance and third-degree conspiracy to possess a controlled dangerous substance.

For a complete list of those indicted, click here.