Indictments Returned in Largescale Operation That Netted Millions in Heroin and Cocaine

The first set of indictments have been returned in connection with “Operation Whitehouse,” the several months-long large-scale narcotics investigation that resulted the seizure of between $10 and $15 million worth of heroin and about half a million dollars in cocaine earlier this year in Cape May and Cumberland counties, Cape May County Prosecutor Robert Taylor announced on Wednesday.

Hector L. Ramos, Carlos N. Guzman and Ricardo Alatorre were charged with first-degree leader of a narcotics trafficking network.

This charge carries a mandatory penalty of life in prison with a 25 year period of parole ineligibility.

Ramos, Guzman, Alatorre and Ricardo Velasquez were charged with first-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance (heroin).

Guzman, Alatorre, Juan Montero and Romulo R. Navarro were indicted on second-degree charges of unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a firearm while committing a certain controlled dangerous substance, and fourth-degree prohibited devices.

Ramos, Guzman, Alatorre, Velasquez, Montero, Navarro, Serafin Garcia-Morales, Miguel Claudio, Juan Lopez, Maritza Jenkins, Carlos Valentin, Edward Perez, Jose I. Baez aka: Ivan Soto, and Jose L. Holguin were charged with second-degree conspiracy to distribute heroin.

Guzman, Alatorre and Baez were charged with second-degree conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

First-degree crimes carry a penalty of between 10 and 20 years New Jersey State Prison.

Second-degree crimes carry a penalty of between 5 and 10 years.

The operation resulted in the seizure of 15 kilograms of heroin and two kilograms of cocaine.

Another $225,000 in cash believed to be proceeds from the sale of the narcotics could have purchased almost 4 kilograms of heroin that will now not be distributed by these drug dealers.

The search warrants led to authorities seizing two properties, six horses, and numerous vehicles. All items seized are subject to forfeiture depending upon ownership and equity evaluations.