New Jersey Cops Bust Trucker With $5.4 Million Worth Of Drugs On I-78

Yesterday New Jersey State Troopers seized $5.4 million worth of heroin and cocaine during a commercial vehicle safety inspection on I-78– making this the third huge drug bust made by troopers conducting inspections on I-78 this month.

Trooper Finds Suspicious Boxes During Safety Inspection

The drugs were discovered at about 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday when 39 year old California based driver Henry Cruz-Ventura was stopped in the eastbound lanes of I-78 in Greenwich Township for an inspection.

Within the trailer, the trooper found several boxes that were not consistent with the rest of the load as well as “several other indicators consistent with criminal activity.”

After a closer inspection, troopers discovered 64 kilograms of heroin and 10 kilograms of cocaine in the truck. The drugs have a street value of $5.47 million, according to police.

Cruz-Ventura is facing charges of possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with intent to distribute. His bail was set at $250,000. He is still in police custody.

Mobile Safe Freight Unit Makes Third Big Bust This Month

On August 9, New Jersey troopers discovered 54 pounds of marijuana worth $324,000 in a truck driven by 52 year old California based driver Eric T. Shan at the I-78 weigh station. He has since posted bail.

On August 14, troopers found 36 kilos of heroin worth $2.8 million in a semi driven by 58 year old California based driver Oscar Franco after an inspection at the I-78 weigh station. Franco is still in custody.

All three of the drug busts were made by members of the New Jersey State Police Mobile Safe Freight Unit.

A Facebook post from the New Jersey State Police congratulated the “truck troops” for the latest bust: “Great job getting this poison off of the streets!”

Sources:
NJ1015
Lehigh Valley Live