The blue lights of a police car, set upon a blue sky background.
The blue lights of a police car, set upon a blue sky background.

Twenty indicted in North Jersey opioid mill operation, authorities say

by
March 5, 2025

TRENTON, N.J. — A state grand jury has indicted 20 people on racketeering and drug charges in connection with an opioid mill operation in North Jersey, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced Wednesday.

Authorities say the defendants were part of the Rodriguez, Sanchez, and Gutierrez Drug Trafficking Organization, which operated between April 2020 and October 2023 in Paterson and Lodi. Eleven of the suspects have been arrested, while nine remain at large.

Investigators recovered 126 ounces of heroin, 95 ounces of fentanyl, and two firearms from various locations. They also found thousands of packaged wax folds, sifters, grinders, and other drug-processing materials.

“This indictment represents the tireless work by our detectives and law enforcement partners,” New Jersey State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan said. “By holding these individuals accountable, we have taken a critical step in dismantling a dangerous Drug Trafficking Network operating in North Jersey.”

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

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