Luis Cepeda-Capellan, 25, of Paterson, New Jersey, and Isidro Fernandez, 32, of New York, have been charged with conspiring to distribute heroin in New Jersey. The charges were announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig.
According to the investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force (NYDETF), Fernandez purchased significant quantities of items associated with the illegal manufacture and distribution of narcotics, including thousands of glassine bags, strainers, sifters, and scales.
On February 25, 2021, law enforcement officers observed Fernandez receive boxes of items consistent with those used to transport drug paraphernalia, such as large quantities of glassine bags, in New York. After obtaining the boxes, Fernandez traveled into New Jersey and delivered these boxes to an individual who brought them to Cepeda-Capellan’s residence.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life in prison, and a fine of $10 million, or twice the amount of money involved in the offense, whichever is greater.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited the NYDETF with the investigation leading to the charges. The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Travers of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force/Narcotics Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The 20 kilograms of heroin seized from the mill in Paterson is a significant blow to the heroin trade in the region. The investigation is ongoing, and it is expected that more arrests will be made in the coming weeks.
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Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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