By: Najla Alexander
NJ authorities announced that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging two brothers with conspiring to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute 49 kilograms of cocaine.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger stated that Nelson Santos Munoz, 30, and his brother, Amauris Santos Munoz, 31, both of Miami, Florida, are charged by indictment with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Officials said the Santos Brothers appeared in Trenton federal court on March 5 before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi.
They were charged with a criminal complaint in May 2023, officials say.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Authorities say on January 26, 2023, law enforcement stopped a vehicle in Woodbridge, New Jersey, with three individuals, including the Santos brothers.
During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement discovered approximately 49 kilograms of suspected cocaine, individually wrapped in packages with cellphone/plastic wrap in several suitcases and a backpack, officials stated.
According to officials, a review of cell phone communications revealed that the Santos brothers traveled to the Dominican Republic and conspired to purchase cocaine and transport it to the United States for distribution.
Officials say after importing the cocaine into the United States, the Santos brothers traveled from Florida to New Jersey with the intent to distribute the cocaine.
Each count carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life imprisonment, and a maximum fine of $10 million, officials said.