An investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has led to the sentencing of two individuals involved in a fentanyl distribution operation affecting northern New Jersey. Emmanuel F. Almonte Mejia, 40, from Philadelphia, and Hector Luiz De La Cruz Nunez, 32, were both sentenced to five years in prison by the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey on February 27 and February 5 respectively.
The case also involves Loanny F. Duran Hiciano, 37, who has pleaded guilty but is yet to be sentenced. The three were implicated in operating a drug mill in the Philadelphia area that produced bulk quantities of fentanyl.
Ricky J. Patel, ICE Homeland Security Investigations Newark Special Agent in Charge, commented on the significance of these sentences: “Last month’s sentencings are a testament to HSI Newark’s commitment to protect the public from lethal drugs and the plague of the fentanyl crisis threatening the health of our communities.” He acknowledged the collaboration with ICE HSI Philadelphia and New Jersey State Police.
The investigation revealed that in February 2022, law enforcement identified a private residence being used as a large-scale production site for fentanyl intended for redistribution. On March 8, 2022, officers observed Nunez leaving this location with a heavy bag containing approximately six kilograms of fentanyl concealed within his vehicle. Upon interception in Union, New Jersey, authorities found four bricks comprising around 400 individual packages of fentanyl meant for distribution in northern New Jersey.
Both Mejia and Nunez will serve an additional three years under supervised release following their prison terms.
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