Twenty Individuals Indicted in North Jersey Opioid Mill Racketeering Case

NORTH JERSEY - Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice announced a 53-count state grand jury indictment against 20 individuals accused of operating opioid mills in North Jersey. The charges, which include racketeering and other serious offenses, stem from an alleged drug trafficking enterprise that operated in Paterson and Lodi between April 2020 and October 2023.

According to the indictment, the defendants—11 of whom have been arrested—are alleged members or associates of the Rodriguez, Sanchez, and Gutierrez Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO). The group reportedly manufactured and distributed controlled dangerous substances (CDS), including heroin and fentanyl, from various locations. Law enforcement officials recovered two firearms and approximately 126 ounces of heroin and 95 ounces of fentanyl from these facilities.

“Enforcement efforts like this are just one way we are working to reduce illicit drug use in our state,” Attorney General Platkin said. “Our Office of the New Jersey Coordinator of Addiction Responses and Enforcement Strategies is squarely focused on investing in resources and providing support to people battling with addiction and substance abuse disorders. Our multi-disciplinary approach resulted in a 30 percent decline in drug-related deaths last year, according to preliminary numbers on suspected drug deaths from the Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner, but we must continue the fight.”

The indictment outlines multiple criminal charges against the defendants, including conspiracy, maintaining or operating a CDS production facility, possession and distribution of CDS, firearms violations, resisting arrest, financial facilitation of criminal activity, and the use of fraudulent identities to procure rental vehicles.

Investigators say that in addition to drug manufacturing and distribution, the DTO concealed its operations by using multiple locations and false identities. Evidence seized included thousands of packaged wax folds containing powder, sifters, grinders, rubber bands, wood-handle stamps with ink pads, and digital scales—materials consistent with large-scale drug processing.

Authorities also allege that the group used mobile phones and associates to rent residences and vehicles, further complicating law enforcement efforts to track their activities. Some members remain at large.

“The indictment we’re announcing today charges a large group of people for their roles in operating or participating in the processing and packaging of opioids for sale on the streets of New Jersey,” Division of Criminal Justice Director Theresa L. Hilton said.

As law enforcement continues to crack down on opioid-related crimes, the New Jersey Office of Alternative and Community Responses (OACR) and NJCARES are implementing strategies to combat drug addiction through community-based initiatives. Programs such as Operation Helping Hand connect individuals struggling with substance use disorders to treatment and recovery resources, in collaboration with peer specialists and law enforcement agencies.

Defendants Charged

The following individuals have been indicted, with those who remain at large marked with an asterisk:

Additionally, Bryan Medina was indicted and arrested in connection with the case, facing six charges, including conspiracy. However, he is not charged as part of the racketeering enterprise.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Matthew Bernal under the supervision of Bureau Chief Cassandra Montalto. Deputy Attorney General Robert Anstatt also assisted with the investigation.

All charges remain allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Authorities continue efforts to locate the remaining individuals who are still at large.

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