A Venezuelan national has been charged with the intent to distribute over two kilograms of black tar heroin, according to U.S. Attorney Alina Habba. Reinaldo Rafael Belisario Mendoza, 29, was charged by complaint with one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin. Mendoza appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark, III in Newark federal court on May 29, 2025, where he was detained.
Documents and statements presented in court revealed that in May 2025, law enforcement officials were informed about Mendoza's involvement in narcotics trafficking in New Jersey. On May 28, 2025, Mendoza allegedly met with a prospective buyer to sell two kilograms of heroin stored in his vehicle's trunk. He reportedly drove to the sale accompanied by an adult and two minor family members.
The charge of heroin distribution carries a mandatory minimum penalty of ten years in prison and could lead to a maximum potential penalty of life imprisonment along with a $10 million fine.
U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New York Division’s Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino for leading the investigation that resulted in the arrest.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Ecker of the Criminal Division in Newark is representing the government in this case.
It is important to note that the charges and allegations are accusations at this stage, and Mendoza is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Defense counsel for Mendoza is Adalgiza Nunez, Esq.
