PA Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Trafficking Bulk Fentanyl into North Jersey

Federal investigation dismantles drug mill responsible for fentanyl distribution in northern New Jersey

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ - A Philadelphia resident has been sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy that transported bulk fentanyl from a Philadelphia-based drug mill into northern New Jersey, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

Emmanuel F. Almonte Mejia, 40, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden handed down the sentence, which includes three years of supervised release following incarceration.

Drug Mill Operation and Law Enforcement Seizure

According to court documents and statements made in court, Mejia and his co-conspirators operated a drug mill out of a private residence in Philadelphia, where they processed large quantities of fentanyl for redistribution. The facility produced bulk fentanyl, which was transported and sold in northern New Jersey communities.

In February 2022, law enforcement raided the drug mill and recovered nearly six kilograms of fentanyl—an amount potent enough to produce millions of potentially lethal doses.

Two other individuals were charged in connection with the operation. Hector Luiz De La Cruz Nunez, 32, was also sentenced to 60 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to the same conspiracy charge. A third co-conspirator, Loanny F. Duran Hiciano, 37, has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.

The sentencing follows a joint investigation led by multiple agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark and Philadelphia and the New Jersey State Police. Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited the efforts of these agencies, including Special Agent in Charge Ricky Patel (HSI Newark), Special Agent in Charge Edward Owens (HSI Philadelphia), and Col. Patrick J. Callahan (New Jersey State Police).

Assistant U.S. Attorney Vincent D. Romano of the Criminal Division in Newark is prosecuting the case.

The case highlights ongoing federal and state efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking, which has contributed to a rise in overdose deaths across the region. Authorities continue to prioritize dismantling drug distribution networks operating within New Jersey and beyond.