It started in June 2021: A suspicious package was on its way to southern New Jersey from sunny California. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service seized and searched the 8-lb. parcel, confirming suspicions that it contained illegal drugs. Postal inspectors immediately notified the USPS OIG — sometimes USPS employees get involved in drug trafficking schemes, and that’s something our special agents exclusively investigate.
The sole package turned out to be one of many, prompting Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and New Jersey State Police to join the investigation. The packages carried methamphetamine, and investigators soon found they weren’t only heading in one direction — some were going from the Garden State to California. They also found several individuals and addresses known for drug-related activities were connected to the parcels.
Through investigative techniques, a prime suspect with a long and violent criminal history quickly emerged. In September, the partner agencies coordinated a package delivery to one of the addresses. The sting operation was on.
About OCDETF
Established in 1982, the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) is an independent component of the U.S. Department of Justice. It identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the nation using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. The largest anti-crime task force in the country, OCDETF leverages the resources and expertise of its partners.
A suspect arrived at the address, picked up the package, and went inside. A little while later, he left the premises and drove to the ringleader’s home. He went inside and, a few minutes later, exited without the package. Armed with a search warrant, investigators moved in and found the ringleader in a bathroom hurriedly disposing the evidence by any means possible: in the trash, down the toilet, down the bathtub drain.
Investigators arrested the ringleader and found several items used in drug trafficking at his home. These included scales, wax folds that hold small doses of heroin or other narcotics, and a press that condenses loose powders into compact, easily transportable forms. And to top it all off: almost $30,000 in cash neatly tucked away in one of the bedrooms.
The ringleader was arrested on site and two others followed shortly after. The three pleaded guilty to narcotics trafficking conspiracy and were sentenced to a combined over 26 years in federal prison plus several years of supervised release. The ringleader carried the lengthiest sentence of over 14 years.
While our special agents’ investigation into possible postal employee collusion didn’t turn up any suspects, their role in the joint operation was instrumental. Together with their partners, they brought down the drug trafficking organization responsible for moving over 100 pounds of methamphetamine through the mail.
Most of our investigative work is in collaboration with other partner agencies. This particular case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. And while our agency has long collaborated with OCDETF, in February this year we formally joined OCDETF’s Fusion Center, the largest repository of federal and foreign case intelligence in the federal government. We look forward to augmenting our role with OCDETF to deter the illegal transport of controlled substances through the U.S. Mail.
If you suspect or know of narcotics trafficking involving Postal Service employees or contractors, please report it to our Hotline.