A California truck driver was arrested after officers discovered 74 kilograms of illegal drugs during an inspection.
Henry A. Cruz Ventura was stopped for an inspection at a weigh station off Interstate 78 in Greenwich Township, New Jersey, on Tuesday morning. During the inspection, officers became suspicious when they noticed boxes in the trailer that did not match the rest of the cargo.
After a complete search of the vehicle, troopers recovered 64 kilograms of heroin and 10 kilograms of cocaine. The combined value was estimated at $5.47 million.
The New Jersey State Police posted the following on their Facebook page.
Troopers Seize 74 Kilograms Heroin and Cocaine worth $5.4 Million
You read that correctly. Yesterday, a commercial vehicle safety inspection on eastbound Interstate 78 at milepost 6.2 in Greenwich Township, Warren County led to the seizure of 74 kilograms of powder heroin and cocaine.
At 4:24 p.m., Tpr. I James Agens of the New Jersey State Police Mobile Safe Freight Unit stopped a tractor-trailer driven by Henry Cruz-Ventura, 39, of Los Angles, C.A., to conduct a commercial motor vehicle safety inspection. During the inspection, Tpr. Agens discovered boxes comingled throughout the load that were not consistent with the legitimate cargo, in addition to several other indicators consistent with criminal activity.
As a result of the investigation, Tpr. Agens and assisting troopers searched the truck and seized 64 kilograms of heroin and 10 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated value of $5.47 million.
Henry Cruz-Ventura was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with intent to distribute. He was lodged at the Warren County Jail in lieu of $250,000 full cash bail.
This is yet another great job by Tpr. I James Agens and the NJSP Mobile Safe Freight Unit, who some affectionately call our “truck troops.” Great job getting this poison off of the streets!
#AttaBoy #TruckTroops
Photo of troopers is not related to this investigation.
Charges are mere accusations and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty.
The 39-year-old trucker has been charged with possession of narcotics with intent to distribute. He was held at the Warren County Jail, and his bail was set at $250,000.
This bust comes one day after another load of heroin, worth $2.3 million, was discovered in a tractor trailer in Westchester, New York.