Penalties For Sending Or Receiving Drugs By Mail In New Jersey

If you’re facing drug charges in Bergen County because the police intercepted a package containing drugs, you need to take your defense seriously. This type of drug offense can be quite serious, especially if your package crossed state lines. What are the penalties, and how can a Bergen County drug crime defense attorney help you fight for your rights?

Police Intercept Numerous Drug Packages in Bergen County 

Authorities in Bergen County intercepted numerous packages allegedly containing drugs in February of 2026. On the 24th, sources reported that a multi-agency investigation had resulted in the arrest of two individuals allegedly involved in a drug distribution ring. The pair had been under investigation by Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, and the local police department in Wood-Ridge.

In January, authorities intercepted a package containing 19 kilograms of dried poppy pods headed to the United States from the Netherlands. The authorities then began investigating the individuals associated with the address on the package. This led them to the two defendants, who are both in their 20s. After executing a search of the residence in Bergen County, investigators found more dried poppy pods and evidence of a drug distribution ring.

These individuals now face charges of second-degree possession with intent to distribute (PWID). This penalty is associated with a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. Note that because the drugs crossed international borders, the pair may also face federal charges.

A few days later, sources reported that another multi-agency investigation had led to the arrest of another Bergen County resident. The 45-year-old defendant faces allegations of receiving two packages from California containing cocaine and ketamine. He now faces PWID charges and money laundering charges.

Mail-Order Drugs Have Become Quite Common 

Drugs shipped through the mail have always been a problem for federal and state authorities, but new technology makes this type of offense even more prevalent in the modern era. Since the rise of the internet, all kinds of people have been able to access drugs through the “dark web.” Websites like the Silk Road quickly became notorious for shipping every controlled substance imaginable throughout the nation (and often across international borders).

But although the authorities are always a few steps behind new technology, they eventually catch up and develop their own technologies to combat the dark web and mail-order drug schemes. These new methods are becoming increasingly helpful for law enforcement agencies, and average postal workers are now receiving training to spot suspicious packages.

Can a Rockland County Defense Attorney Help Me? 

A Bergen County drug defense attorney may be able to help if you face charges related to shipping or receiving drugs by mail. Your charges could be particularly serious if the package crossed state lines, as this may be a federal offense. Learn more about your next steps by contacting Phillip J. Murphy, Attorney at Law.

Sources: 

tapinto.net/towns/hasbrouck-heights-slash-wood-ridge-slash-teterboro/sections/police-and-fire/articles/two-wood-ridge-men-charged-with-drug-offenses-in-multi-agency-investigation

rlsmedia.com/article/nj-man-arrested-after-drug-packages-intercepted-mail