Federal authorities seize massive quantities of fentanyl in Utah and New Jersey

Federal law enforcement agencies have conducted major drug seizures involving massive quantities of fentanyl in Utah and New Jersey.

In Utah, the FBI’s Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force seized approximately 204,000 fentanyl pills during two separate investigations. The actions led to the indictment of two individuals, Jesus Alexis Cecena Cota and Ricardo Verduzco Bernal, on charges including possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. Authorities reported that the volume of pills seized was sufficient to cause 200,000 deaths.

In Newark, New Jersey, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) seized 16 kilograms of fentanyl, over a kilogram of heroin laced with fentanyl, and approximately 900 grams of cocaine. The drugs were found in the possession of members of the Trinitarios gang. Two gang members were arrested and charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Officials noted that the drugs were hidden in a specialized cabinet operated by a remote key fob.