Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino announced that a Bronx, N.Y., man was indicted today on first-degree drug charges for allegedly possessing a total of approximately 17 kilograms of heroin and 17 kilograms of cocaine that were seized by the New Jersey State Police during a vehicle stop on the New Jersey Turnpike in June.
The Division of Criminal Justice Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau today obtained a state grand jury indictment charging Juan P. Lorenzo, 36, of the Bronx, N.Y., with possession of heroin with intent to distribute (1st degree), possession of cocaine with intent to distribute (1st degree), possession of heroin (3rd degree), and possession of cocaine (3rd degree).
Lorenzo was arrested on June 21, 2016, by the New Jersey State Police following an investigative stop of his Saturn Outlook on the New Jersey Turnpike near Carteret.
His SUV came to the attention of troopers conducting surveillance in connection with a narcotics investigation.
During the traffic stop, Lorenzo behaved suspiciously and gave inconsistent answers about his itinerary, so troopers requested permission to search the vehicle, which Lorenzo granted. The search revealed a total of 17 kilos of heroin and 17 kilos of cocaine, including 21 kilos of drugs found in a hidden compartment under the rear seat of the SUV, and the remainder contained in a duffel bag and cooler in the cargo area.
The first-degree charges carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $500,000. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $35,000.
The indictment was handed up to Superior Court Judge Mary C. Jacobson in Mercer County, who assigned the case to Middlesex County, where Lorenzo will be ordered to appear at a later date for arraignment.
Lorenzo currently is being held in the Middlesex County Jail with bail set at $250,000.