State Police and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations Seize 14 Kilos of Fetanyl
March 20,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Camden City NJ, A cooperative investigation by the New Jersey State Police Trafficking South Unit and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Cherry Hill Office resulted in the arrest of Yahmire Boardley, 22, of Camden, N.J. and the seizure of 14 kilograms of fentanyl.
On Thursday, March 16, State Police detectives from Trafficking South, Hazmat, K-9, Crime Suppression South, and T.E.A.M.S Units along with agents from HSI, U.S. DEA Camden HIDTA, U.S. DEA Camden Resident Office, and officers from the Camden County Police Department executed several search warrants throughout the city as the result of a month-long investigation. Investigators seized a total of 14 kilograms of fentanyl from multiple locations and arrested Boardley at his city residence.
Yahmire Boardley was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute. He was processed at the New Jersey State Police Bellmawr Station and lodged at the Camden County Jail pending a bail hearing.
Fentanyl is one of the deadliest opioids. While it has been spotlighted for killing celebrities including Prince, it also has been responsible for a growing death toll in New Jersey, where 417 deaths were attributed to fentanyl in 2015. Used to treat acute pain, fentanyl is up to 50 times more powerful than heroin. In addition, seven fentanyl knock-offs have been sold on the street in New Jersey, usually disguised as less-powerful drugs like heroin or oxycodone, triggering overdose deaths. The Attorney General’s Office issued an emergency order last year adding those fentanyl knockoffs to the list of drugs subject to the strictest level of state control.
“This is a huge bust. By arresting this alleged drug dealer and seizing 14 kilograms of fentanyl, which is 50 times more powerful than heroin, the State Police and HSI stopped many thousands of doses of this lethal opiate from reaching the street,” said Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino. “Our ongoing interdiction of major drug traffickers is just one aspect of our multi-faceted efforts to fight the tragic epidemic of opiate addiction, but it is an important one that, in this case, undoubtedly saved many lives. Another area of focus for our office includes a new strike team that has criminally charged six doctors with indiscriminately prescribing pain pills for profit.”
“This massive seizure of fentanyl, which is a highly addictive and lethal opioid, almost certainly saved lives,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “This cooperative effort between the New Jersey State Police, HSI, and our other law enforcement partners demonstrates our resolve to aggressively target anyone peddling this poison in our communities.”
“Through multi-agency operations such as this one, we’re working to stop the flow of opiates into our communities and save lives,” said Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice. “I commend our partners in the State Police and Homeland Security Investigations for their work on this outstanding investigation.”
This case is being prosecuted by the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice.
Charges are mere accusations the suspect is considered innocent until proven guilty.
