NEW JERSEY — As a result of the seizure of more than 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of suspected cocaine during a car search in New Jersey, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has stated that a man from New York has been charged with a number of criminal charges. The arrest, which was carried out by the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) with assistance from the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), is being referred to as a significant disruption to the operation of drug trafficking in the region.
The Defendant and Charges
According to the criminal complaint, the defendant, Miguel Ortiz, who is 34 years old and lives in the Bronx, New York, is charged with the following offenses:
- A possession charge in the first degree with the intent to distribute cocaine
- Having possession of cocaine in the third degree
- Having possession of THC vape cartridges and edibles with the purpose to distribute them (second-degree possession)
- The possession of food and vape cartridges containing THC in the fourth degree
Under the statutes of the state of New Jersey, each of these charges carries a large possible sentence of imprisonment. If you are found guilty of the most serious allegation, which is first-degree possession with the intent to distribute, you may face a term of ten to twenty years in state prison and a fine of up to two hundred thousand dollars.
The Specifics of the Arrest and the Seizure
According to the complaint, law enforcement agents had been pursuing a narcotics investigation involving a silver Honda Odyssey that was suspected of carrying illegal drugs across the state of New Jersey. Using the information that they had gathered, the investigators went ahead and got a search warrant for the vehicle.
During the course of the search, the authorities found around one hundred kilograms of what is believed to be cocaine, in addition to a quantity of vape cartridges containing THC and edible cannabis products. The cocaine alone has a street value that is expected to be in the millions of dollars, and thus, its capture is being hailed as a huge achievement in the anti-drug measures that have been taking place across the state.
Statements from Law Enforcement Officials
Attorney General Platkin referred to the operation as a significant achievement for the protection of the general public in the state of New Jersey: According to Platkin, “it is critical to keep illegal drugs out of our communities in order to improve the quality of life for our residents and to ensure the wellbeing of the general public.” More than two hundred pounds of what is believed to be cocaine were taken into custody as a result of this arrest. Another example of the amazing work that our law enforcement partners are performing on a daily basis, this was yet another example.
The Director of the Division of Criminal Justice, Theresa L. Hilton, underscored the larger context of the case by the following statement: “The fight against illegal drugs is ongoing, and we are always vigilant when it comes to fighting the flood of drugs into our state,” she added. It was because of the investigation that led to this arrest that a significant quantity of cocaine was able to avoid reaching its intended destination. As a result of our participation in these crucial law enforcement initiatives, our state is safer.
Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, the Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, brought attention to the wider social impact that is involved with the trafficking of cocaine. He stated, “This significant seizure of one hundred kilograms of cocaine represents a major victory in our ongoing fight to protect public safety.” In addition to being illegal, this substance is also lethal, and it is the cause of addiction, violence, and grief in communities all around the state of New Jersey.
The Potential Sentences
Ortiz is subject to the following potential consequences in the event that he is found guilty of all charges:
- First-degree charge carries a potential prison sentence of ten to twenty years as well as a fine of up to two hundred thousand dollars.
- The penalty for a second-degree charge is between five and ten years in jail and a fine of up to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars.
- Third-degree charge carries a maximum sentence of three to five years in jail as well as a fine of up to fifteen thousand dollars.
- The maximum sentence for a fourth-degree charge is 18 months in prison and a maximum fine of ten thousand dollars.
Prosecution and Investigation Are Being Conducted
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Benjamin Forrest, who is working under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Matthew Bernal and Bureau Chief Cassandra Montalto of the Department of Criminal Justice. The New Jersey State Police were in charge of spearheading the investigation, and they are still looking into further information related to the matter.
The claims that have been made against Ortiz are the only type of charges that can be brought against him. The presumption of innocence applies to him unless and until he is found guilty in a court of law.
