Dual Citizen Sentenced to Seven Years for Drug Trafficking in New Jersey

Jorge Luis Rodriguez Tejada receives an 84-month prison term for possession and intent to distribute significant quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Jorge Luis Rodriguez Tejada, a 38-year-old dual citizen of the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, was sentenced today to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to drug trafficking charges, as confirmed by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

Background of the Case: 

Rodriguez Tejada previously admitted to the charges before former U.S. District Judge John Michael Vasquez, acknowledging his intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The sentence was handed down by U.S. Circuit Judge Stephanos Bibas in Camden federal court.

Details of the Arrest: 

The conviction stems from an incident on July 5, 2022, when law enforcement officials conducted a stop of a vehicle in which Rodriguez Tejada was a passenger. A drug detection canine indicated the presence of controlled substances, leading to a search that uncovered approximately 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl and about 900 grams of methamphetamine.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Bibas also imposed three years of supervised release upon completion of Rodriguez Tejada's sentence.

Investigative Efforts: 

The successful outcome of this case was the result of diligent work by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in New Jersey, led by Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz in Newark. Assistant U.S. Attorney Farhana C. Melo of the OCDETF/Narcotics Unit in Newark represented the government in this prosecution.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by U.S. law enforcement to combat the distribution of dangerous drugs such as fentanyl and methamphetamine, which continue to pose significant public health risks.