RIO GRANDE – A Rio Grande man was arrested on a drug distribution charge after authorities said they served a search warrant Wednesday, Oct. 18, which turned up around 2,800 bags of suspected heroin, a dagger and cash.
Jorge A. Aviles, 32, of the 1000 block of Route 47, was arrested following a multi-agency investigation into suspected drug distribution. Suspected heroin seized previously during the investigation was analyzed and tested positive for fentanyl and xylazine, according to a release from the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office.
The prosecutor’s office noted the combination of those chemicals increases the psychotropic effects of the heroin and contributes to it being less receptive to Narcan and causes necrosis in the human body.
Aviles was charged with second-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) with intent to distribute, second-degree possession of a weapon during the commission of a CDS offense, third-degree possession of CDS, third-degree money laundering and fourth-degree possession of a prohibited weapon.
Aviles is in Cape May County jail pending court proceedings. He faces five to 10 years in state prison if convicted on the second-degree counts.
Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland said that his office will continue to work with federal, state and municipal partners to target anyone selling illegal drugs.
The arrest came following the multi-agency investigation, which included the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Gangs, Guns, and Narcotics Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and the Middle Township Police Department.
The above-named individual is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
