By: Richard L. Smith
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger reported that 54-year-old Timothy Alan Blank of California has been formally charged with intent to distribute a significant quantity of fentanyl on Monday. 
This development followed Blank's court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark, where he was detained pending further legal proceedings.
According to U.S. Attorney Sellinger, Blank's charges stem from an incident on March 3, 2024, when he reportedly transported approximately 5 kilograms of fentanyl from Los Angeles, California, to New Jersey in an SUV.
Federal officials say the arrest was precipitated by a motor vehicle violation observed by New Jersey state law enforcement on March 8, which led to a vehicle stop and the subsequent discovery of the narcotics hidden within the trunk of the SUV.
This case highlights a growing concern over the distribution of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, across state lines.
If convicted, Blank faces up to 20 years in prison along with a $1 million fine, stressing the severe penalties associated with drug trafficking offenses.
