East Orange Man Snared in Massive Fentanyl, Cocaine Bust

NEWARK, N.J. – Carlos Santiago, a 49-year-old East Orange man, has admitted to possessing with intent to distribute over five kilograms of fentanyl and four kilograms of cocaine, as well as possessing six firearms as a convicted felon.

Santiago pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz in Newark federal court to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon.

Pursuant to court documents and statements made in court, federal agents encountered Santiago on Oct. 24, 2022, as he was moving controlled substances from a storage unit to his vehicle in Newark. The agents found several kilograms of fentanyl and cocaine, as well as one firearm, in Santiago’s storage unit. A search of his residence in East Orange turned up several additional kilograms of fentanyl and cocaine, and five other firearms.

Santiago had previously been convicted of a drug offense and resisting arrest in New Jersey Superior Court, Essex County. This latest conviction now leaves him facing the consequences of his actions. The count of distribution of 400 grams or more of fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life imprisonment, and a $10 million fine. The count of distribution of 500 grams or more of cocaine carries a mandatory minimum term of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years in prison, and a $5 million fine.

The count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon carries a maximum term of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 5, 2024. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms with the investigation leading to Santiago’s guilty plea.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Barnes, Chief of the OCDETF/Narcotics Unit in Newark, represented the government in the case. This conviction is a testament to the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the scourge of fentanyl and cocaine distribution in our communities.