Federal law enforcement arrested six people accused of distributing heroin in Clifton, New Jersey.
According to authorities, the investigation into the suspects was comprehensive and eventually led to police obtaining search warrants.
Agents with the New Jersey division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) then executed the search warrants and conducted several drug raids at multiple locations.
DEA agents reportedly seized 20 kilograms of heroin while making the arrests. The heroin has a street value of approximately $10 million if repackaged for sale at between $5 and $10 per dose.
At this time, details of the drug raids and the arrests are being tightly guarded by law enforcement. Federal officials have not yet revealed the exact times and locations of the drug raids, beyond acknowledging that they occurred in Clifton, NJ.
If the suspects are ultimately convicted of heroin distribution in New Jersey, they would be subject to severe penalties. Although the suspects are likely to be charged under federal law, NJ state drug laws also impose significant punishments. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5, manufacturing, distributing or dispensing heroin in a quantity of five ounces or more is considered a first degree felony. A conviction on first degree heroin distribution charges could result in a sentence of 10-20 years in NJ State Prison, as well as a fine of up to $500,000.
The suspects will soon have to appear before a federal judge in Newark NJ for a bail review hearing.
For additional information about this case, read the NJ.com article, “Feds Arrest 6, Seize $10 Million Worth of Heroin.”
