Prosecutor’s Office Suburban Narcotics Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations Cherry Hill Office, Cherry Hill Police Department, Camden County Sheriff’s Department, Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office Gangs, Guns, and Narcotics Unit, and Pemberton Township Police Department, reported that two men have been arrested in connection with a large-scale drug trafficking organization at the culmination of an extensive narcotics distribution investigation.
Officials say Antonio Farias-Torres, 37, of Browns Mills, and Ansberto Garcia-Ortiz, 40, of Mount Holly are accused of taking part in a drug trafficking organization that acquired bulk quantities of crystal methamphetamine and marijuana and distributed them in the Camden and Burlington County areas.
Detectives arrested the two men in Cherry Hill on Dec. 5th following an eight-month, multi-agency investigation. Officers seized approximately seven pounds of crystal methamphetamine, one pound of marijuana, and a semi-automatic handgun. The estimated street value for the seized drugs is $475,000.
According to authorities, the two men were apprehended in Cherry Hill in a Walmart Parking lot located at 500 Route 38, after attempting to distribute the seven pounds of crystal methamphetamine and one pound of marijuana. Farias-Torres and Ansberto Garcia-Ortiz were successfully detained by members of the Camden County Sheriff’s Department Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team.
Police charged Antonio Farias-Torres and Ansberto Garcia-Ortiz were charged with multiple counts of Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS), multiple counts of Possession of CDS with Intent to Distribute, and weapons offenses. The defendants were remanded to the Camden County Jail.
Officials say Antonio Farias-Torres and Ansberto Garcia-Ortiz are alleged to be in the United States illegally and had U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers placed on them by Homeland Security Investigations.
All persons charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.