WMBCTV: Major Drug Bust in Northern NJ

Numerous drug mills in New Jersey have been dismantled by authorities in a blow to organized crime. Officials say that among these drug mills, four operations were located in Paterson and a fifth location in Bergen County. 

“These locations were being used as opioid manufacturing facilities, which are more commonly known as mills,” said Attorney General Matt Platkin. “Each location packaged bulk quantities of heroin as well as fentanyl.”

While officials say they successfully dismantled these 5 drug manufacturing facilities, they also explain what that investigation looked like.

“This investigation is a result of years of dedicated work by our troopers, federal, state, county and local officers, deputy AG, analysts and forensic scientists who have worked tirelessly in bringing those responsible to justice,” said Major Michael Flory, Deputy Branch Commander for the New Jersey State Police Investigations Branch.

Authorities say 126 ounces of heroin were seized as well as 95 ounces of fentanyl, which they say represents almost half a million individual doses. They also say 21 individuals were arrested, resulting in a 53-count indictment - as a result of the 3 year investigation. 

“Each of the defendants face an array of other charges related to their role in the organization, including packaging and distributing drugs, providing or using fake identification, unlawful possession of a weapon and fraud,” said Theresa Hilton, Director of the Division of Criminal Justice.

Amid conducting investigations, officials explain what operations are like in these drug manufacturing facilities. 

“It operated as a business with a clearly defined hierarchy consisting of supervisors, organizers, financiers and promoters as well as designated control dangerous substance distributors, baggers and runners,” said Hilton. “They also had support staff who provided both vehicles to transport the drugs and fake driver’s licenses.”

While this law enforcement action targets criminals and drug traffickers, the Attorney General also mentioned that the other facets of this problem include supporting addiction programs as well as addressing children and drug use.