4 Indicted After Police Find 400 Fentanyl Pills Disguised As Oxycodone In Union County

LINDEN, NJ — Four Roselle residents were indicted on drug-related charges after Linden Police found 400 Fentanyl pills disguised as Oxycodone during a search, said police.

A Union County Grand Jury returned the 19-count indictment against Roselle residents Christine Cintron, 25, Tyron Dieujuste, 32, Xavier M. Padilla, 26, and Juanita Padilla-Jacobs, 43, following a two-month investigation by the Linden Police Department’s Narcotics Bureau.

The Roselle residents were arrested on Oct. 3, after detectives executed a search warrant on
a E. 9th Avenue (Roselle) home.

During the search, detectives found around 280 grams of cocaine, a quantity of Xanax and ecstasy, $6,280 in cash, and nearly 400 suspected Oxycodone pills.

Laboratory testing found that the pills were, in fact, Fentanyl that was pressed and imprinted to appear as Oxycodone, said police.

Fentanyl is a deadly substance responsible for an estimated 75 percent of all opioid deaths in New Jersey.

"Fentanyl has exacerbated the opioid epidemic and destroyed the lives of many of our family, friends, and loved ones," said Police Chief David Hart. "The idea that this deadly drug is being disguised to appear like more widely-used prescription drugs is very concerning and I am incredibly proud of the work done to save lives and take these pills off our streets."

On Dec. 4, the Roselle residents were indicted on charges including multiple counts of third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, first-degree intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, and second-degree intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance in a park zone.

"Residents are reminded of the dangers associated with obtaining prescription medication from
third-party sources. There is no way to know what is included in illegally obtained medications, and prescription medications should only be purchased or obtained from a licensed pharmacy," said police.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, help is available. Union County Helping Hand 365 offers 24-hour-a-day assistance, 365 days a year. Visit remote.lpdnj.org for more information.

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