MORRIS COUNTY, NJ – Emmanuel F. Almonte Mejia, a 40-year-old Philadelphia resident, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for his role in a large-scale fentanyl trafficking conspiracy. Mejia, who pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess fentanyl, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden on March 25, 2025. The sentence includes three years of supervised release after his incarceration.
Mejia and his co-conspirators operated a drug mill in a private Philadelphia residence where they processed significant quantities of fentanyl for redistribution. The mill produced bulk fentanyl, which was transported and distributed in northern New Jersey communities.
In February 2022, law enforcement raided the drug mill and seized nearly six kilograms of fentanyl, enough to produce millions of potentially lethal doses. Mejia’s involvement in the operation contributed significantly to the fentanyl distribution network in the region.
Two other individuals, Hector Luiz De La Cruz Nunez, 32, and Loanny F. Duran Hiciano, 37, were also charged. Nunez, like Mejia, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the same conspiracy charge. Duran Hiciano has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
The investigation was part of a multi-agency operation, led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark and Philadelphia, along with the New Jersey State Police. Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna commended the efforts of all the agencies involved, including Special Agent in Charge Ricky Patel (HSI Newark) and Col. Patrick J. Callahan (New Jersey State Police).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vincent D. Romano of the Criminal Division in Newark.
This sentencing underscores the ongoing federal and state efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking, which has fueled the rise in overdose deaths across the region. Authorities continue to prioritize dismantling drug distribution networks operating in New Jersey and surrounding areas.
