Bronx Man Charged After 100 Kilograms of Cocaine Seized in New Jersey Traffic Stop

Miguel Ortiz faces multiple felony charges after New Jersey State Police uncover major drug shipment including cocaine, THC vape cartridges, and edibles.

TRENTON, N.J. — A New York man has been charged with a series of drug offenses following the seizure of over 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of suspected cocaine during a vehicle search in New Jersey, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced. The arrest, conducted by the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) with support from the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), is being called a major disruption to drug trafficking activity in the region.

Defendant and Charges

The defendant, Miguel Ortiz, 34, of Bronx, New York, is charged by criminal complaint with the following offenses:

• First-degree possession with intent to distribute cocaine

• Third-degree possession of cocaine

• Second-degree possession with intent to distribute THC vape cartridges and edibles

• Fourth-degree possession of THC vape cartridges and edibles

Each of these charges carries significant potential prison time under New Jersey law. The most serious charge—first-degree possession with intent to distribute—carries a possible sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $200,000.

Details of the Arrest and Seizure

According to the complaint, law enforcement officers had been conducting a narcotics investigation involving a silver Honda Odyssey, suspected of transporting illegal drugs through New Jersey. Acting on the intelligence gathered, investigators obtained a search warrant for the vehicle.

Upon executing the search, authorities discovered approximately 100 kilograms of suspected cocaine along with a quantity of THC-based vape cartridges and cannabis edibles. The cocaine alone constitutes a street value estimated in the millions of dollars, and its seizure is being hailed as a major success in statewide anti-drug efforts.

Statements from Law Enforcement Officials

Attorney General Platkin described the operation as a critical success for public safety in New Jersey:

“Keeping illegal drugs out of our communities is critical to public safety and improving the quality of life for our residents,” said Platkin. “This arrest resulted in the seizure of more than 200 pounds of suspected cocaine. This was yet another example of the outstanding police work our law enforcement partners are doing every day.”

Theresa L. Hilton, Director of the Division of Criminal Justice, emphasized the broader context of the case:

“The battle against illegal drugs is ongoing, and we are always vigilant when it comes to fighting the flood of drugs into our state,” she said. “The investigation that led to this arrest prevented a large amount of cocaine from reaching its destination. Our state is safer when we undertake these vital law enforcement efforts.”

Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, highlighted the broader social harm associated with cocaine trafficking:

“This significant seizure of 100 kilograms of cocaine represents a major victory in our ongoing fight to protect public safety. This drug is not just illegal — it is deadly, driving addiction, violence, and heartbreak in communities across New Jersey.”

Potential Sentences

If convicted on all charges, Ortiz faces the following potential penalties:

• First-degree charge: 10 to 20 years in prison; up to $200,000 fine

• Second-degree charge: 5 to 10 years in prison; up to $150,000 fine

• Third-degree charge: 3 to 5 years in prison; up to $15,000 fine

• Fourth-degree charge: Up to 18 months in prison; up to $10,000 fine

Prosecution and Investigation

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Benjamin Forrest, under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Matthew Bernal and Bureau Chief Cassandra Montalto of the DCJ. The investigation was led by the New Jersey State Police, who continue to pursue further leads in the matter.

As with all criminal proceedings, the charges against Ortiz are accusations only. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.