Big NJ Heroin Bust

Fifteen suspects have been taken into custody after the take-down of a major narcotics supply network in Jersey that was distributing millions of dollars worth of heroin across the Garden state, and in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington.

State Attorney General Jeff Chiesa says several locations in Paterson were raided by law enforcement officials, and 3 kilos of heroin, 1 and a half kilos of cocaine and $255,000 in cash was seized.

“These were processing mills where you could go and obtain your drugs,” says Chiesa, “so you would then be in a position as a dealer to go out and sell them.”

He adds, “heroin is an incredibly addictive drug, and causes all sorts of major addition problems for young people, and we’ve seen it used as a substitute for prescription drug abuse, so it’s something that has to be dealt with – has to be dealt with severely – also, we know that these drug distribution rings also contribute to the violence in these communities.”

The ring’s alleged leader, Segundo Garcia, 36, of Prospect Park, was charged with leading a narcotics trafficking network, a first-degree crime that carries a sentence of life in prison, including 25 years without parole.

He was also charged with first-degree distribution of heroin, first-degree possession with intent to distribute, and second-degree conspiracy.  All other defendants were charged with first-degree possession of heroin with intent to distribute or second-degree conspiracy to distribute heroin.

The arrested individuals have been lodged in the Passaic County Jail.  Bail for Garcia was set at $350,000 cash, with a bail source hearing required. Cash bails were set for the other defendants ranging from $125,000 to $250,000, with bail source hearings required in every case.

Two suspects remain at large.