The drug, furanyl fentanyl, is several times more powerful than heroin
TRENTON -- Two Edgewater men and a New York man were indicted Thursday on charges stemming from an investigation into the distribution of a potent synthetic drug, state Attorney General Christopher Porrino said.
Jose Colon-Lora, 33, Jorge Rivera, 26 and 37-year-old New York resident Pedro Santiago-Argamonte were all charged with first-degree conspiracy. Colon-Lora and Jorge-Rivera were also both charged with money laundering, possession of furanyl fentanyl with intent to distribute and possession of furanyl fentanyl. Rivera was additionally charged with obstruction of justice.
Furanyl fentanyl, a so-called designer opioid, is similar to fentanyl, a drug that is itself up to 50 times more powerful than heroin and considered highly dangerous.
The three men were arrested July 26 following an investigation by the New Jersey State Police and the Drug Enforcement Agency. A search of an apartment shared by Rivera and Colon-Lora found more than 10 ounces of furanyl fentanyl and more than $732,000 in cash, authorities said. Equipment for packing drugs and cash was also found.
The three will be arraigned at a court in Bergen County.
"The evidence shows that these alleged drug dealers were making huge profits by peddling a highly addictive and deadly analog of fentanyl," Porrino said. "Through investigations such as this one, we're working to stop the flow of opiates into our communities and save lives. Meanwhile, we're working to stop addiction before it gets started through a new rule limiting the supply of opioid painkillers a doctor can prescribe at one time to five days, except for cancer treatment or palliative care."
Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook.