Bergen County Man Charged In Fentanyl Trafficking Ring: Feds

OAKLAND, NJ - A Bergen County man and a New York woman were arrested and charged for their roles in a fentanyl trafficking ring operating in and around Bergen County this week, federal authorities said.

Plinio Junior Pineda Lopez, 33, of Oakland, was charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl; Lorendy Diaz Beltre De Inoa, 27, of Yonkers, New York, was also charged by complaint with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said Thursday.

The pair appeared on Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge José R. Almonte in Newark federal court. Lopez remains in jail and De Iona was released with electronic monitoring.

According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court, Lopez conspired with others to transport "large quantities of fentanyl" between Florida and New Jersey out of his home, federal authorities said.

On Tuesday, Lopez and De Inoa were arrested in Wallington while attempting to conduct a drug deal. Police found 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl on De Inoa during the bust.

Following the arrest, police searched Lopez’s home and found additional kilograms of fentanyl hidden around the home, federal authorities said.

The home also contained packaging materials and paraphernalia consistent with those used to package controlled substances. Law enforcement officers recovered a total in excess of approximately 9 kilograms of fentanyl and 1 kilogram of cocaine.

If convicted, Lopez faces up to life imprisonment, a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $1 million. De Inoa faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $1 million.