Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, along with the Division of Criminal Justice and the New Jersey State Police, has announced charges against a Bronx man in connection with a large drug seizure. Miguel Ortiz, 34, faces multiple drug-related charges after being stopped in a vehicle allegedly containing 100 kilograms of cocaine and other substances.
“Keeping illegal drugs out of our communities is critical to public safety and improving the quality of life for our residents,” said Attorney General Platkin. “This arrest resulted in the seizure of more than 200 pounds of suspected cocaine. This was yet another example of the outstanding police work our law enforcement partners are doing every day.”
DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton emphasized the ongoing fight against illegal drugs: “The battle against illegal drugs is ongoing, and we are always vigilant when it comes to fighting the flood of drugs into our state,” she said. “The investigation that led to this arrest prevented a large amount of cocaine from reaching its destination. Our state is safer when we undertake these vital law enforcement efforts.”
Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the NJSP, highlighted the significance of this seizure: “This significant seizure of 100 kilograms of cocaine represents a major victory in our ongoing fight to protect public safety,” he stated. “This drug is not just illegal — it is deadly, driving addiction, violence, and heartbreak in communities across New Jersey."
The investigation focused on a silver Honda Odyssey suspected of transporting drugs through New Jersey. A search warrant revealed 100 kilograms of suspected cocaine along with THC vape cartridges and edibles.
Charges include possession with intent to distribute cocaine (1st degree), possession of cocaine (3rd degree), possession with intent to distribute THC products (2nd degree), and possession of THC products (4th degree). Sentences for these charges range from up to 18 months to 20 years in prison and fines up to $200,000.
Deputy Attorney General Benjamin Forrest is prosecuting under Deputy Bureau Chief Matthew Bernal and Bureau Chief Cassandra Montalto's supervision. The case remains under investigation by the New Jersey State Police.
All charges are accusations at this stage; Ortiz is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
