Newark Man Charged With Possession Of 25 Kilograms Of Heroin And Eight Kilograms Of Cocaine With Intent To Distribute

NEWARK, N.J. – A Newark man was charged today with possession with intent to distribute illegal narcotics, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Wilfredo Rodriguez Escobar, 52, is charged by complaint with one count of possession with intent to distribute approximately 25 kilograms of heroin and approximately eight kilograms of cocaine, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Steven C. Mannion in Newark federal court and was detained without bail.

According to the complaint:

On Oct. 26, 2016, law enforcement arrested Rodriguez Escobar at his apartment after finding, pursuant to a search, a hidden compartment that contained heroin, cocaine, more than $300,000 in cash and a firearm.    

The drug charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life, and a $10 million fine.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited the Drug Enforcement Administration’s, New Jersey Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Carl J. Kotowski, with the investigation leading to today’s charges.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Williams of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Narcotics/OCDETF Unit in Newark.

Defense counsel: Kevin Carlucci Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender