Authorities allege the 46-year-old received over 10 pounds of Tapentadol from India and packaged narcotics for illegal sale
MILLVILLE, N.J. — A Cumberland County man has been charged with multiple drug offenses after authorities discovered a large quantity of opioids and evidence of a drug manufacturing operation in his Millville residence, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice announced on June 12.
Bruce G. Low Jr., 46, of Millville, is facing first-, second-, and third-degree drug charges, including operating a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) manufacturing facility, possession with intent to distribute Tapentadol and morphine, and simple possession of both opioids. These charges follow a joint investigation involving federal customs officials and the New Jersey State Police.
“This defendant is alleged to have accepted a shipment of more than 10 pounds of a dangerous opioid, and to have set up a location for packaging it for illegal distribution,” said Theresa L. Hilton, Director of the Division of Criminal Justice. “He is also alleged to have been in possession of morphine, another opioid that can do serious harm if misused. We will not stop in our fight to keep these drugs off our streets.”
The investigation began when U.S. Customs and Border Protection intercepted a suspicious international shipment from India. The package was found to contain more than six kilograms (approximately 13.2 pounds) of Tapentadol, a powerful Schedule II prescription opioid. A controlled delivery of the package was executed on June 9, 2025, to an address allegedly linked to Low.
Following the delivery, authorities executed a residential search warrant at Low’s property. According to the criminal complaint, Low was found in possession of the opened package of Tapentadol, as well as morphine and numerous items commonly used for drug processing and distribution. These included grinders, mixers, pressing tools, cutting agents, scales, packaging materials, and cash.
“The illegal distribution of opioids continues to spread devastation and misery throughout our country, and New Jersey is not immune from the epidemic,” said Attorney General Platkin. “The opioid allegedly possessed by this defendant is a powerful pain medication that can cause injury or death. We continue the vital work of holding accountable anyone who illegally sells these drugs.”
Tapentadol and morphine, both classified as Schedule II substances under federal and state law, carry a high potential for abuse and serious health risks when misused. Law enforcement officials emphasized the public safety threat posed by the illegal production and sale of such drugs.
“The manufacture and distribution of powerful Schedule II narcotics like Tapentadol and morphine pose a significant threat to public health and safety,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “The charges filed in this case reflect not only a deliberate effort to profit from addiction and suffering but also the very real dangers associated with illegal drug production in our communities.”
First-degree drug manufacturing charges can result in a prison term of 10 to 20 years and fines up to $200,000. Second-degree charges carry penalties of five to 10 years and fines up to $150,000. Third-degree charges may result in three to five years of imprisonment and fines up to $15,000.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Heather Hausleben under the supervision of Deputy Director Erik Daab. It remains under active investigation by the New Jersey State Police.
The charges are accusations at this stage, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
