Source: New Jersey Patch
Three Hudson and Bergen County residents were charged this week after 84 lbs., of fentanyl and heroin were found at a “drug mill” in two locations in Hudson County.
The New Jersey State Police have arrested Jose Acosta, 37, of Hoboken, Richard Stroman Jr., 38, of North Arlington, and Miguel Carrasco-Lara, 35, of Lyndhurst for various drug offenses.
In May 2022, according to the State Police, detectives with the New Jersey State Police Trafficking North Unit — working as a part of the Opioid Enforcement Task Force —- began investigating Stroman Jr. in connection with the distribution of narcotics in North Jersey.
According to police, “Detectives determined that Stroman Jr. was operating a drug mill out of a residence in West New York and using a residence in Union City to support his operation.” Detectives also said Acosta and Carrasco-Lara were members of the “drug trafficking network.”
On June 24, detectives from the Trafficking North, Hazmat, Gangs & Organized Crime North Units joined the Opioid Enforcement Task Force (OETF) executed search warrants at the two residences and Strotman Jr.’s residence in North Arlington, in Bergen County. As a result, detectives arrested Strotman Jr., Acosta, and Carrasco-Lara, and seized more than 38 kilograms of heroin and fentanyl, bulk cutting agents, a digital scale, kilogram presses, several cellular devices, and $1,900 cash.
Richard Strotman Jr, Jose Acosta, and Miguel Carrasco-Lara were charged with maintaining a CDS (controlled dangerous substance) production facility, possession with intent to distribute, possession of CDS, possession of CDS paraphernalia, and conspiracy. All three were taken to the Hudson County Jail pending a detention hearing.
“By targeting heroin and fentanyl supply sources and intervening to prevent these deadly drugs from reaching the street, the Opioid Enforcement Task Force is fulfilling its mission to save lives,” said Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “The takedown of this drug mill advances that mission and we will continue to pursue this collaborative strategy, spearheaded by the State Police.”
“The take down of the two drug producing mills and as a result of the seizure of these illegal narcotics, we have undoubtedly saved multiple lives, because even the smallest amount of fentanyl is deadly to anyone who comes in contact with it,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan.
Since its inception, the OETF has conducted 319 enforcement operations and seized more than 1,263,951 individual doses of packaged opioids valued at $6.3 million, police said, as well as more than 110 kilograms of raw heroin valued at $6.6 million, and other amounts of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. They also have seized 317 firearms and more than $4.6 million in cash and arrested 650 suspects.
The case is being prosecuted by the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice.