Fentanyl Conspiracy Lands 2 Bronx Men in Prison
NEWARK, N.J. – In a significant blow to the fentanyl trade, two Bronx men have been sentenced to 29 months in prison each for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute the deadly opioid to customers in New Jersey.
According to court documents, Eddy Urena Rodriguez, 36, and Francisco Mercedes Gil, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl. U.S. District Judge Esther Salas imposed the sentences via videoconference on [date].
This conviction is the latest development in a major investigation led by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)’s New Jersey Division. The probe, which began in early February 2019, uncovered a sophisticated operation that saw the defendants store, mix, and package heroin and fentanyl in distribution quantities at an apartment in the Bronx.
Law enforcement officers witnessed Jhan Carlos Capellan Maldonado, 31, drive to a retail store and emerge with shopping bags containing materials to package the narcotics. On February 27, 2019, a search of the apartment revealed nearly a kilogram of fentanyl, as well as equipment to grind and package the deadly opioid for distribution.
Seven individuals, including Maldonado, were arrested and charged in connection with the operation. Two other defendants, Daury Contreras Ulerio and Reimon Genao Rosario, remain indicted on the same charge and are awaiting trial.
The investigation and prosecution of this case are a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat the opioid epidemic and bring those responsible to justice.
Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig praised the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)’s New Jersey Division for their work on the case, which resulted in the convictions of Rodriguez and Gil.
Related Federal Cases
- Bridgette Williams, Identity Theft and Conspiracy, Macon GA, 2014 · Alabama
- James Postlethwaite, Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana, Seattle WA… · Idaho
- Jason Boyd ‘Teddy Reek’ Pleads Guilty to Camden Crack Conspiracy · New Jersey
- Bronx Drug Mob Leaders Face Death Penalty for Murder · New York
- Jeffrey Pearlman Indicted in Fentanyl Kickback Scheme · Rhode Island
Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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