Hudson County Resident Sentenced to Nearly Two Years for Role in Fentanyl Distribution Conspiracy

Miguel Polanco, 31, Receives 23-Month Prison Term for Conspiring to Distribute the Lethal Substance, Followed by Four Years of Supervised Release

UNION CITY, NEW JERSEY - A Hudson County man, Miguel Polanco, has been sentenced to 23 months in federal prison for his participation in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, a synthetic opioid. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the sentencing, which took place today in Newark federal court under U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo.

Miguel Polanco, 31, of Union City, New Jersey, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a substance containing fentanyl. He previously pled guilty to the charge. The case emerged in May 2021 when U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents intercepted a package being shipped from Mexico City to Polanco's apartment, which contained fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements, Polanco was actively involved in planning the distribution of the drug. He received a video from a co-conspirator demonstrating how to properly unpack the fentanyl to preserve its quality and discussed the logistics—including quantity and delivery locations—with other conspirators. Polanco was to be compensated for receiving and transporting the drug.

In addition to his prison term, Polanco will undergo four years of supervised release, further extending the judicial oversight on his activities.

The successful investigation that led to Polanco’s sentencing was a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies. Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, and the Elizabeth Police Department all played crucial roles in this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas S. Kearney of the U.S. Attorney's Office Special Prosecutions Division in Newark represented the government during the legal proceedings.

The sentencing comes amid rising public concern over the opioid crisis, which has claimed thousands of lives nationwide. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and poses significant risks of overdose.

The information contained in this article is based on court documents and statements. It's important to note that Polanco has already pled guilty, and the sentencing reflects the legal conclusion of this particular case.

For more information on opioid abuse and prevention, residents can visit the New Jersey Department of Health's opioid webpage at www.nj.gov/health/opioid.