Two Men Charged with Fentanyl Trafficking; One Faces Defaced Firearm Charge

Authorities say the defendants plotted to sell over 100,000 fentanyl pills and possessed a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

NEWARK – Two men from Guatemala and El Salvador have been charged with conspiring to distribute fentanyl in New Jersey, and one of them allegedly possessed a firearm with its serial number removed, U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced. Pablo Suruy Hernandez, 41, of Guatemala, and Giovanni Guzman, 41, of El Salvador, each face charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, while Hernandez is additionally charged with possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

Alleged Fentanyl Trafficking Scheme

According to the criminal complaint:

January 2025: Law enforcement received a tip about Hernandez’s alleged involvement in drug trafficking within New Jersey.
January 16, 2025: Hernandez reportedly met a confidential source to discuss trading firearms, fentanyl, and cocaine.
January 21, 2025: Hernandez allegedly sold a firearm with a defaced serial number to the confidential source.
February 7, 2025: Hernandez and Guzman allegedly attempted to sell 100,000 fentanyl pills to the same confidential source. During the operation, agents seized around eleven kilograms of fentanyl.
Residence Search: A lawful search of Hernandez’s residence yielded approximately $65,000 and additional evidence tied to the fentanyl scheme.

Potential Penalties

If convicted:

Fentanyl Conspiracy and Distribution: Both offenses carry a 10-year mandatory minimum in prison, a potential maximum of life, and up to a $10 million fine.
Possession of a Defaced Firearm (Hernandez only): Maximum of 5 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000.

Investigation and Prosecution

Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New York Division, led by Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino, as well as the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force Group T-42—comprising DEA agents and officers from the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and the New York State Police (NYSP). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ingrid Eicher of the Criminal Division in Newark.

Hernandez and Guzman appeared on February 10, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams in Newark federal court, where both were ordered detained pending trial. All charges in the complaint are allegations only; both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.