April 22, 2021- 11:16 p.m.
CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — Police seized $350,000 worth of drugs – enough to kill more than 1 million people – as they dismantled a network that sold more than nine pounds of fentanyl and heroin in South Jersey, authorities announced.
Randy Mora, 35 of Gloucester Township; and Felix Cruz-Ventura, 42, Daniel Garcia, 41, and Jennifer Gonzales, 30, all of Camden, were all arrested during the takedown, dubbed “Operation Speed Bump.”
The 17-month investigation that focused on drug trafficking in Camden City and Gloucester Township resulted in the seizure of 4 pounds of fentanyl and 5 pounds of heroin, as well as 6 pounds of cocaine.
Two milligrams are considered a lethal dose of fentanyl, and four pounds would equal about 2 million milligrams of the drug.
“The New Jersey State Police, Gloucester Township Police, and their collaborating partners conducted this investigation throughout the COVID pandemic, diligently pursuing the evidence despite the additional threats so that they could stop this ring from distributing its deadly wares,” Attorney General Gurbir Grewal said. “This case is another great example of how law enforcement has stepped up to the challenges of this health crisis, continuing to give 100 percent to protect our communities, in this case by shutting down this major distribution ring and preventing thousands of potentially lethal doses of fentanyl and heroin from reaching the street.”
An investigation launched in October 2019 revealed that Mora, Cruz-Ventura, and Garcia were selling the drugs as part of a larger drug ring that was selling narcotics out of several homes in Gloucester Township and Camden, police said.
Detectives executed search warrants at four homes on March 30, including Mora’s home in Gloucester Township, Cruz-Ventura’s home in Camden City and another Camden City home shared by Garcia and Gonzales, police said. Mora, Cruz-Ventura, Garcia and Gonzalez were all arrested without incident.
In addition to the fentanyl, heroin and cocaine, police said they also seized:
- More than 21 pounds of marijuana;
- 106 VAPE marijuana cartridges;
- 86 marijuana edibles;
- .380 caliber handgun reported stolen out of South Carolina;
- Prescription legend drugs;
- $50,684 cash;
- Paraphernalia consistent with the packaging and preparation of drugs;
- A 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe;
- A 2013 Ford Taurus; and
- A 2015 Nissan Altima.
Mora was charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute; possession of cocaine with intent to distribute; possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute; certain person not to possess a firearm; possession of prescription legend drugs; maintaining a CDS production facility; money laundering; endangering the welfare of a minor; and conspiracy.
Cruz-Ventura was charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute; possession of cocaine with intent to distribute; possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute; distribution of CDS within 1000 feet of school zone; distribution of CDS within 500 feet of park zone; maintaining a CDS production facility; maintaining a fortified premise; money laundering; and conspiracy.
Garcia was charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute; possession of cocaine with intent to distribute; possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; distribution of CDS within 1000 feet of a school zone; money laundering; and conspiracy.
Gonzales was charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute; possession of cocaine with intent to distribute; possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; distribution of CDS within 1000 feet of a school zone; and money laundering.
