CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, NJ — A sweeping narcotics investigation led by the Cape May County Gangs, Guns and Narcotics Task Force ended with the arrest of one man and the removal of thousands of deadly drug doses from the streets — including a staggering quantity of Carfentanil, a synthetic opioid so potent it’s used to tranquilize elephants.
Investigators seized approximately 3,300 individual baggies of suspected heroin during the bust, but a forensic analysis by the county’s laboratory revealed the substance was actually Carfentanil — a drug 100 times more powerful than fentanyl and 5,000 times more potent than heroin. Law enforcement officials say even trace exposure to the drug can be fatal.
The bags were seized as part of an operation that resulted in the arrest of Harold Perez, whose charges were not immediately specified in the statement released Monday.
Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland said the case demonstrates the serious threat posed by synthetic opioids currently circulating in New Jersey and across the country.
“Thanks to the diligent work of our task force and the rapid response of our independent County Forensic Laboratory, we were able to identify this deadly substance quickly, take action, and mitigate further risk to the public and members of law enforcement who must handle the substance,” said Sutherland.
Officials say the seized Carfentanil represents a significant potential for mass fatalities had the drug reached users unaware of its true composition. The Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office has emphasized that the safety of law enforcement and first responders was a key concern throughout the operation.
No additional arrests have been announced at this time. The investigation is considered closed, pending prosecution.
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Key Points
- Cape May investigators seized 3,300 bags of drugs labeled as heroin that tested positive for Carfentanil
- Carfentanil is 100 times more potent than fentanyl and used to tranquilize large animals
- Suspect Harold Perez arrested as investigation concludes with potential mass casualty event averted
Cape May authorities pulled thousands of doses of elephant-grade synthetic opioid off the streets in a major bust.