2021 News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 2021

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Public Information Bureau (609) 882-2000
Lt. Jeff Flynn - ext. 6516
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Tpr. Charles Marchan - ext. 6513


State Police and Partners Dismantle Drug Trafficking Network

Detectives Seize a Combined 15 pounds of Fentanyl, Heroin, and Cocaine as a result of “Operation Speed Bump”

Camden, N.J. - The New Jersey State Police, in conjunction with the Gloucester Township Police Department, have arrested Felix Cruz-Ventura, 42, Daniel Garcia, 41, and Jennifer Gonzales, 30, all of Camden, N.J., and Randy Mora, 35, of Gloucester Township, N.J., and dismantled a drug trafficking network as a result of a 17-month cooperative investigation dubbed “Operation Speed Bump.”  Detectives seized $350,000 worth of drugs including 4 pounds of fentanyl, 5 pounds of heroin, and 6 pounds of cocaine.   

In October of 2019, detectives from New Jersey State Police Gangs and Organized Crime Unit and the Gloucester Township Police Department began investigating drug activity in Camden County. During the investigation, detectives discovered that Mora, Cruz-Ventura, and Garcia were allegedly distributing narcotics in the Gloucester Township and Camden City areas of Camden County. Through various investigative means, detectives linked the suspects to a drug distribution network that was operating out of several residences in Gloucester Township and Camden.

On March 30, detectives with New Jersey State Police Gangs and Organized Crime South Unit, Atlantic City Metro Task Force, Motor Vehicle Crimes South Unit, Trafficking South Unit, and Crime Suppression South Unit, along with members of the State Police T.E.A.M.S. Unit, State Police Canine Unit, Gloucester Township Police Department Special Investigations Unit, Camden County Metro Police Department, the U.S. DEA, HSI, and ATF executed a search warrant at Mora’s residence in Gloucester Township and three residences in Camden, including Cruz-Ventura’s residence and a residence shared by Garcia and Gonzales. All four suspects were arrested without incident.

The New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice is prosecuting the defendants.

“The New Jersey State Police, Gloucester Township Police, and their collaborating partners conducted this investigation throughout the COVID pandemic, diligently pursuing the evidence despite the additional threats so that they could stop this ring from distributing its deadly wares,” said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. “This case is another great example of how law enforcement has stepped up to the challenges of this health crisis, continuing to give 100 percent to protect our communities, in this case by shutting down this major distribution ring and preventing thousands of potentially lethal doses of fentanyl and heroin from reaching the street.”

“This operation resulted in the seizure of 15 pounds of some of the most highly addictive and deadly narcotics sold on the streets, which once processed, would become thousands of potentially lethal doses.  If this operation saved just one life or prevented just one person from battling addiction, then it was a resounding success,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.  “An operation of this magnitude requires a tremendous amount of cooperation and coordination between partnering agencies, and I am grateful to all of the dedicated law enforcement professionals who worked tirelessly to dismantle this trafficking network bringing those responsible to justice.”

“All four of these defendants now face first-degree charges,” said Director Veronica Allende of the Division of Criminal Justice. “I commend all of the agencies that worked together seamlessly to investigate this drug trafficking ring and gather the evidence to support these serious charges. We will prosecute the defendants to the full extent of the law.”

As a result of the operation, detectives seized the following evidence:

  • 4 pounds of fentanyl
  • 5 pounds of heroin
  • 6 pounds of cocaine
  • More than 21 pounds of marijuana
  • 106 VAPE marijuana cartridges
  • 86 marijuana edibles
  • .380 caliber handgun reported stolen out of South Carolina
  • Prescription legend drugs
  • $50,684 cash
  • Paraphernalia consistent with the packaging and preparation of drugs
  • 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
  • 2013 Ford Taurus
  • 2015 Nissan Altima

Felix Cruz-Ventura was charged with:

  • Possession of heroin with intent to distribute
  • Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute
  • Possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute
  • Distribution of CDS within 1000 feet of school zone
  • Distribution of CDS within 500 feet of park zone
  • Maintaining a CDS production facility
  • Maintaining a fortified premise
  • Money Laundering
  • Conspiracy to commit the listed offenses

Daniel Garcia was charged with:

  • Possession of heroin with intent to distribute
  • Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute
  • Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute
  • Distribution of CDS within 1000 feet of school zone
  • Money Laundering
  • Conspiracy to commit the listed offenses

Jennifer Gonzales was charged with:

  • Possession of heroin with intent to distribute
  • Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute
  • Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute
  • Distribution of CDS within 1000 feet of school zone
  • Money Laundering

Randy Mora was charged with:

  • Possession of heroin with intent to distribute
  • Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute
  • Possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute
  • Certain person not to possess a firearm
  • Possession of prescription legend drugs
  • Maintaining a CDS production facility
  • Money Laundering
  • Endangering the welfare of a minor
  • Conspiracy to commit the listed offenses

The following agencies assisted with “Operation Speed Bump”:  Gloucester Township Police Department, Camden County Metro Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice.

This case was investigated by New Jersey State Police Detective I Joseph Castle #6981 and Detective Craig Palma #196, of the Gloucester Township Police Department.

Charges are mere accusations, and the accused are considered innocent until proven guilty.

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