Recently, three New Jersey drug busts resulted in the arrests of 31 people. During the arrests an seizures, authorities reportedly discovered at least 430 doses of heroin, in addition to weapons and cash. The biggest bust resulted in the arrests of 27 people. Additionally, 16 search warrants were executed and served, closing a large-scale narcotics investigation that targeted the sale of heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, prescription pills, and marijuana throughout New Jersey.
New Jersey Police Seize Heroin, Cocaine, Marijuana, and Prescription Drugs in Drug Busts
In the first drug bust, law enforcement ended up seizing approximately 6,540 bags of suspected heroin, six ounces of suspected meth, two ounces of suspected raw heroin, and a number of pounds of marijuana. In addition, police arrested four people who were identified as the leaders of the drug trafficking operation. Authorities also seized two semi-automatic handguns, a shotgun, and $30,000 in cash believed to be proceeds of illegal narcotics sales.
In the second bust, authorities seized 430 glassine envelopes of heroin and 43 baggies of marijuana. They arrested two more people. During a subsequent search of a house belonging to one of the suspects, police reportedly discovered heroin, marijuana, and two firearms.
The third drug bust resulted in the arrests of two suspected drug traffickers. They were reportedly carrying 10 kilograms of suspected heroin, 10 kilograms of cocaine, and $103,180 inside a cargo shipment of onions. The drugs have an estimated worth that exceeds $1 million.
New Jersey Enforces Strict Penalties in Drug Possession & Distribution Cases
As the war on drugs wages on, the State of New Jersey is one of many states that remains uncompromising in their fight to stop drug trafficking. With these strict laws in place, those who end up convicted of drug crimes in NJ face severe penalties. This is true for both drug distribution and drug possession.
As examples, these are some of the potential penalties for heroin possession in NJ:
- Less than half an ounce is punishable by up to five (5) years in state prison and a fine of up to $35,000.
- Less than five ounces but more than half an ounce carries a penalty of 5-10 years in prison and a fine of up to $75,000.
- More than five ounces is punishable by 10-20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000.
The penalties for heroin possession get worse if you are convicted of intent to distribute. Those found to be the leaders of a heroin trafficking network in NJ can face a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
If you have been arrested and charged with a drug crime in New Jersey, no matter how big or small, it is imperative that you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you.
Hackensack Criminal Defense Attorney Adam M. Lustberg Represents Clients Accused of Drug Crimes in NJ
Your life could be altered forever because of a drug crime conviction. It will take an experienced and determined criminal defense attorney to help you build a strong defense against your charges. In New Jersey, Adam M. Lustberg is an experienced attorney who you can count on to handle your drug distribution or drug possession charges. He handles the full gamut of drug-related charges, from heroin possession and distribution to drug paraphernalia and marijuana-related charges. In fact, he has successfully defended clients throughout New Jersey, including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Garfield, Teaneck, and Paramus.
All you have to do is contact Lustberg Law Offices, LLC by calling (201) 880-5311 or by filling out the online form today. The law firm has an office conveniently located at One University Plaza, Suite 210, Hackensack, NJ 07601.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
