Prosecutors say the conspirators moved fentanyl analogues, MDMA, methylone, and ketamine, distributing bulk medication and pretend capsules.
A Passaic County man has been sentenced to 12 years in federal jail for his position in a large-scale fentanyl distribution and cash laundering conspiracy that concerned using Bitcoin to pay abroad drug suppliers, in keeping with the newest press launch shared by the US Division of Justice.
William Panzera, 53, of North Haledon, New Jersey, was sentenced following his conviction for drug trafficking conspiracy and worldwide promotional cash laundering conspiracy.
Counterfeit Capsules, Actual Fentanyl
In keeping with courtroom paperwork and statements made in courtroom, Panzera was a member of a drug trafficking group answerable for importing and distributing lots of of kilograms of fentanyl analogues and different managed substances. Prosecutors said Panzera and his co-conspirators agreed to import and distribute fentanyl analogues, MDMA, methylone, and ketamine.
The medication have been sourced from suppliers in China and have been distributed throughout New Jersey, each in bulk type and as counterfeit pharmaceutical capsules that contained fentanyl analogues reasonably than legit medicine.
Authorities stated the conspiracy resulted within the importation of greater than a metric ton of fentanyl-related substances and different medication into the US. To pay for the shipments, members of the group despatched lots of of 1000’s of {dollars} to China utilizing a mixture of wire transfers and Bitcoin (BTC).
Panzera was convicted at trial in January 2025. The Justice Division said that eight different defendants linked to the case have beforehand pleaded responsible.
Fentanyl Trafficking on Darkish Net
This case comes as a part of a broader crackdown on fentanyl trafficking and illicit drug networks coordinated by US and worldwide authorities. In Could 2025, the Division of Justice announced the outcomes of Operation RapTor, a large-scale worldwide regulation enforcement initiative concentrating on darkish internet drug markets.
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The operation led to the arrest of 270 people worldwide and the seizure of greater than $200 million in money and digital belongings.
In keeping with the DOJ, the hassle centered on distributors, patrons, and directors concerned within the on-line trafficking of opioids, notably fentanyl, and different narcotics. Operation RapTor was performed in coordination with regulation enforcement businesses from 10 international locations, together with the US, the UK, Germany, South Korea, and Brazil, and was described as the most important takedown within the historical past of the company’s Joint Felony Opioid and Darknet Enforcement (JCODE) crew.
Authorities seized greater than two metric tons of medication, together with 144 kilograms of fentanyl-laced substances, along with over 180 firearms. The investigation relied on intelligence gathered from beforehand dismantled darknet markets corresponding to Nemesis and Tor2Door. The operation additionally noticed the primary use of sanctions by the Workplace of International Belongings Management as a part of a JCODE motion.
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