NEWARK, NJ — Pablo Suruy Hernandez, 41, of Guatemala, and Giovanni Guzman, 41, of El Salvador, have been charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.
Hernandez is also facing a charge of possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
The charges stem from an investigation that began in January 2025, when law enforcement became aware that Hernandez was involved in narcotics trafficking in the area. During the investigation, Hernandez met with a confidential source to discuss the purchase of firearms, fentanyl, and cocaine.
On January 21, Hernandez allegedly sold a defaced firearm to the source. Then, on February 7, Hernandez and Guzman attempted to sell 100,000 fentanyl pills to the source.
The law enforcement operation led to the seizure of approximately 11 kilograms of fentanyl and about $65,000 during a search of Hernandez’s residence.
The fentanyl distribution charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life, with the possibility of a $10 million fine. The firearm charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.