Man admits conspiring to traffic drugs from China to NJ

A Middlesex County man has admitted to being part of a conspiracy to traffic hallucinogenic drugs between China and New Jersey.

Thomas Seymore, 38, of Carteret, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute ethylone, a Schedule I controlled substance, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman said in a statement.

Authorities say that on June 10, Seymore and others conspired to possess and distribute about four kilograms of ethylone that was ordered from China and shipped to Teaneck.

According to Fishman, ethylone is a synthetic drug that stimulates the nervous system and can act as a hallucinogen. The drug is illegal, authorities say.

On April 18, Seymore was indicted by a federal grand jury for charged related to the drug trafficking conspiracy, authorities said. As a result of his guilty plea, Seymore faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine up to $1 million. He will be sentenced on Feb. 1, 2017.

Several agencies took part in the investigation including the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Fishman said.

Toniann Antonelli is a social content producer for NJ 101.5. She can be reached at toniann.antonelli@townsquaremedia.com, or on Twitter @ToniRadio1015.