Prosecutors say an eight-month investigation dismantled a sophisticated drug trafficking operation that used counterfeit legal correspondence to smuggle fentanyl, synthetic cannabinoids, PCP, and cocaine into the Camden County jail.
Camden, NJ – A lengthy investigation by the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office and the Camden County Department of Corrections has resulted in charges against 31 people accused of operating a drug trafficking network inside and outside the Camden County Correctional Facility.
The eight-month investigation, dubbed Operation Paper Trail, began in October 2025 and uncovered a scheme in which narcotics were allegedly soaked into counterfeit legal correspondence and mailed to inmates for distribution inside the jail.
Fake legal mail concealed dangerous drugs
According to investigators, members of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force intercepted multiple pieces of fraudulent legal mail that appeared destined for inmates.
Laboratory testing by the New Jersey State Police confirmed the letters contained controlled dangerous substances, including synthetic cannabinoids, cocaine, and PCP.
Over the course of the investigation, detectives seized more than seven ounces of fentanyl, 12.9 ounces of MDMB-4en-PINACA, 3.6 ounces of MDMB-4en-PINACA mixed with fentanyl, more than 1.6 ounces of PCP, and 1.1 ounces of cocaine from inmates and outside suppliers.
Investigators identify alleged organizers
Authorities identified Howard Dunns, 50, of Millville, as one of the alleged leaders of the operation. Prosecutors said Dunns coordinated the trafficking scheme while incarcerated at the Cumberland County Correctional Facility.
Investigators allege Dunns worked with outside associates and Camden County inmates Wilfredo Santiago, 31, of Vineland, and Kyle Jones, 31, of Millville, to introduce narcotics into the jail by disguising drug-soaked paper as legal correspondence intended for inmates.
In March, correctional officers intercepted two separate mailings addressed to Santiago and Jones. Testing later confirmed the documents contained MDMB-4en-PINACA.
Dunns was charged with two counts of second-degree conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance. Santiago and Jones each face second-degree conspiracy charges.
Additional trafficking scheme uncovered
Detectives also intercepted an envelope addressed to inmate Billy Corbitt, 21, of Camden, that appeared to be legitimate legal correspondence.
Investigators determined the mailing was fraudulent and traced it to Damunaquan “Damu” Miller, 32, of Camden. The envelope later tested positive for cocaine.
Miller was charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, conspiracy, and drug possession offenses. Corbitt was charged with conspiracy.
While Miller was later incarcerated at the Camden County Correctional Facility, prosecutors allege he directed another trafficking attempt from inside the jail.
Authorities said Miller instructed Madison Colon-Walsh, 22, of Camden, to send another piece of counterfeit legal mail containing PCP to inmate Rasheem Brown, 39.
Colon-Walsh was charged with first-degree possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, conspiracy, and drug possession offenses. Brown was charged with conspiracy.
An additional 24 individuals were charged with various narcotics offenses, primarily conspiracy and drug possession-related crimes.
Operation dismantled drug network
“Through the dedicated collaboration between our HIDTA Task Force and the Camden County Correctional Facility, a complex and potentially far-reaching criminal enterprise affecting inmates and our local Camden County community was dismantled,” Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay said.
“The takedown of Operation Paper Trail disrupted a dangerous network responsible for distributing illicit substances and facilitating criminal activity. This operation not only enhanced public safety but also helped prevent further harm, protecting our communities and sparing countless individuals from the devastating effects of substance abuse.”
HIDTA Director Brian Michael said the investigation demonstrated cooperation among multiple agencies.
“Dismantling this criminal organization enhances the integrity of the correctional facility by removing a host of dangerous drugs from circulation amongst inmates,” Michael said.
The charges are accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Thirty-one people were charged following an eight-month investigation into a drug trafficking operation centered at the Camden County Correctional Facility.
- Prosecutors allege counterfeit legal mail was used to smuggle fentanyl, synthetic cannabinoids, PCP, and cocaine into the jail.
- Investigators seized significant quantities of narcotics and charged inmates and outside associates with conspiracy and drug trafficking offenses.
Related: Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, Camden County Department of Corrections, Operation Paper Trail, New Jersey State Police, HIDTA
