NORTH BERGEN, N.J. (1010 WINS) -- New Jersey officials seized 26 pounds of fentanyl worth over $1 million and 22 pounds of marijuana during a raid last month, authorities said Monday.
Following a three-month investigation called “Operation Table for Two,” officials charged 39-year-old twin brothers Edwin and Edwal Mercedes, along with 22-year-old Carlos Pena Peralta with first-degree maintaining a fentanyl production facility, second-degree possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, as well as possession with intent to distribute marijuana, AG Matthew Platkin said.
According to officials, investigators simultaneously searched residences on Passaic Avenue in Passaic and on 46th Street in North Bergen on April 11 where fentanyl with a street value of about $1.2 million was seized.
There were 22 pounds of marijuana worth approximately $20,000, hydraulic equipment for pressing large quantities of fentanyl, imprint face plates for stamping drugs, cutting agents and evidence of fentanyl packaging also found, Platkin added.
Edwal Mercedes was arrested during a traffic stop before the drug facilities were raided and was in possession of about $10,000 at the time, authorities said.
All three men were also charged with possession with intent to distribute CDS within 1,000 feet of school property, possession with intent to distribute CDS within 500 feet of a public park, conspiracy to maintain a CDS production facility, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute CDS, possession of fentanyl, possession of marijuana over six ounces, and possession of CDS paraphernalia.
Additionally, Edwal Mercedes was charged with money laundering and possession of a fictitious NJ driver’s license.
Edwal Mercedes and Peralta remain in custody pending a hearing. State police continue to search for Edwin Mercedes, authorities said.
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