Feds, Cops Reveal 2 NJ Busts With Enough Drugs To Kill 200K

NEW JERSEY – Federal and local law enforcement authorities revealed two busts this past week allegedly involving New Jersey dealers with enough drugs to kill more than 200,000 people.

In one case, at least seven people engaged in a conspiracy to distribute 400 grams – 200,000 lethal doses – or more of a substance containing fentanyl in New Jersey. The suspects were seen carrying shopping bags of drug-making materials outside of a retail store, authorities said.

In the other, a New Jersey man was charged when 500 grams of heroin and fentanyl were reportedly discovered in a traffic stop.

In the retail-store ring, five people were charged and two others pleaded guilty in a conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl to customers throughout New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced said in a release.

Dilson Vasquez Genao, 23, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas in Newark federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, the release said.

Francisco Mercedes Gil, 31, also of the Bronx, New York, pleaded guilty before Salas to the same charges, according to the release.

Four other individuals – Jhan Carlos Capellan Maldonado, 30; Jose Antonio Vasquez Pena a/k/a “Tono,” 46; Daury Contreras Ulerio, 34; and Reimon Genao Rosario, 22 – were indicted on the same charge in August and were arraigned on Sep. 4 before Salas.

One individual – Eddy Urena Rodriguez, 34 – remains charged by complaint, according to the release.

The probe began in early February when law enforcement officers learned that Maldonado used an apartment in the Bronx to store, mix and package heroin and fentanyl in large quantities, according to the release.

Maldonado employed Genao, Gil, Rodriguez, Ulerio, and Rosario, to assist in preparing the heroin and fentanyl for distribution to customers in New Jersey. Pena lived at the apartment in order to safeguard the narcotics and narcotics supplies, according to the release.

On Feb. 25, law enforcement officers saw Maldonado drive to a retail store – the location wasn't identified – and emerge with several full shopping bags and then drive to the apartment, the release said.

Genoa came out of the apartment building and met with Maldonado, who got out of his vehicle and gave Genoa the plastic shopping bags, according to the release.

Law enforcement officers later learned that the plastic shopping bags contained materials to package heroin and fentanyl, the release said.

Genoa went back inside the building and was followed by law enforcement officers, who watched as Genoa entered Maldonado’s apartment with a key, still carrying the shopping bags, according to the release.

On Feb. 27, law enforcement searched Maldonado’s apartment and found seven individuals inside: including Genao, Gil, Rodriguez, Ulerio, Rosario, Maldonado, and Pena. All seven defendants attempted to escape out a window in the bedroom, according to the release.

All but one — Rosario — were apprehended and arrested by law enforcement officers waiting outside. Rosario was arrested at a later date.

Each defendant faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million fine. Sentencing for Genao is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2020, and sentencing for Gil is scheduled for Jan. 6, 2020.

In the other case, K-9 police sniffed out about 500 grams of heroin and fentanyl during an August traffic stop along I-78 in Upper Macungie Township, Pennsylvania State Police told nj.com on Monday.

Munir Mohammed, 31, of Newark, New Jersey was stopped near exit 49, according to nj.com. He is charged with felony possession with intent to deliver drugs and other misdemeanor drug offenses, including marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia; he posted bail a day after his arrest.