Federal authorities apprehended a Yonkers woman and a Bergen County man on Tuesday July 11th; charging them with fentanyl trafficking.
U.S. Attorney Phillip Selinger announced that Lorendy Diaz Beltre De Inoa, 27, and Plinio Junior Pineda Lopez, 33, were caught in the act of conducting a drug deal when law enforcement officers intervened.
The sting operation
Homeland Security Investigations employed a confidential source to engage in multiple phone conversations with Lopez concerning the purchase of drugs. As part of the operation, the source met with Lopez in Paramus on June 25th to obtain a sample of fentanyl powder. Law enforcement authorities monitored this meeting.
The following day, the confidential source purchased $15k worth of drugs from an associate of Lopez in Wallington. The substances acquired during these June meetings tested positive as fentanyl.
Undercover authorities scheduled a third meeting in Wallington, NJ on Tuesday July 11th. Upon arrival, Lopez parked in a nearby parking lot where the confidential source was set to meet De Inoa. However, law enforcement officers intervened and promptly arrested both Lopez and De Inoa.
During the arrest, authorities discovered 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl in De Inoa’s possession. Subsequently, a search of Lopez’s residence uncovered additional quantities of fentanyl and other drug paraphernalia.
The charges against the duo
The indictment alleges that the defendants conspired with others to distribute substantial amounts of fentanyl. This network may span between New Jersey and Florida.
Lopez faces one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. That charge carries a potential life sentence and a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison. De Inoa has been charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. This charge could lead to a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
