Police seized nearly 84 pounds of heroin and fentanyl and arrested three men accused of operating a “drug mill” operating out of two Hudson County homes, authorities announced Monday.
A home in West New York served as the primary drug mill and a second home in Union City was also used to package the drugs for distribution, the State Police said.
Richard Stroman Jr., 38, of North Arlington, Jose Acosta, 37, of Hoboken, and Miguel Carrasco-Lara, 35, of Lyndhurst, were arrested after search warrants were executed at the two Hudson County homes as well as Stroman’s house on June 24.
Investigators seized bulk cutting agents, a digital scale, kilogram presses, several cellular devices and $1,900 cash.
All three are charged with maintaining a drug production facility, possession with intent to distribute, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and conspiracy.
“The take down of the two drug producing mills and as a result of the seizure of these illegal narcotics, we have undoubtedly saved multiple lives, because even the smallest amount of fentanyl is deadly to anyone who comes in contact with it,” said State Police Superintendent Pat Callahan.
State Police launched the investigation into Stroman in May as part of the Opioid Enforcement Task Force.