NJ Troopers: Three Arrested; 38 Kilos of Heroin, Fentanyl Seized

State troopers say three people have been arrested, a drug mill has been dismantled, and 38 kilograms of heroin and fentanyl were seized following a two-month-long investigation in North Jersey.

Officials with the New Jersey State Police say this past May, detectives began investigating 38-year-old Richard Stroman, Jr., of North Arlington, Bergen County, for allegedly distributing narcotics in northern New Jersey.

Through various investigative means, detectives determined that Stroman Jr. was operating a drug mill out of a residence in West New York and using a residence in Union City to support his operation.

As part of their work, cops say they were able to identify 37-year-old Jose Acosta of Hoboken and 35-year-old Miguel Carrasco-Lara of Lyndhurst, as members of the drug trafficking network.

Get our free mobile app

On June 24th, troopers executed search warrants at two residences and Strotman's home in North Arlington.

As a result, detectives arrested Strotman Jr., Acosta, and Carrasco-Lara, and seized more than 38 kilograms of heroin and fentanyl, bulk cutting agents, a digital scale, kilogram presses, several cellular devices, and $1,900 cash.

Strotman Jr., Acosta, and Carrasco-Lara were charged with maintaining a CDS production facility, possession with intent to distribute, possession of CDS, possession of CDS paraphernalia, and conspiracy. All three were lodged in the Hudson County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, said in a statement,

The take down of the two drug producing mills and as a result of the seizure of these illegal narcotics, we have undoubtedly saved multiple lives, because even the smallest amount of fentanyl is deadly to anyone who comes in contact with it. We will continue to work with our partners and use the tools at our disposal to target and take down these drug trafficking networks, but the positive relationships within our communities remains one of our most valuable resources.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.