Four individuals have been indicted in connection with the distribution of illegal drugs, including fentanyl disguised as prescription oxycodone, authorities announced Friday.
The Union County grand jury handed down a 19-count indictment on December 4 against Christine Cintron, 25; Tyron Dieujuste, 32; Xavier M. Padilla, 26; and Juanita Padilla-Jacobs, 43. Charges include possession of controlled dangerous substances, intent to distribute, and intent to distribute within a park zone, according to police.
The charges followed a two-month investigation by the Linden Police Department’s Narcotics Bureau. On October 3, detectives executed a search warrant at an East 9th Avenue residence in Roselle, seizing approximately 280 grams of cocaine, quantities of Xanax and ecstasy, nearly 400 pills appearing to be oxycodone, and $6,280 in cash.
Laboratory testing later revealed the pills contained fentanyl, a synthetic opioid often linked to fatal overdoses. Authorities said fentanyl is responsible for approximately 75% of opioid-related deaths in New Jersey.
The suspects face serious legal consequences as law enforcement continues to crack down on fentanyl distribution, which remains a major driver of the state’s opioid crisis.
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