The Guttenberg Police Department arrested a 30-year-old man on Monday for selling drugs containing Fentanyl to an 18-year-old woman who overdosed nearly two years ago.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
On Friday, May 10th, 2024, at approximately 4:42 p.m., Guttenberg Police Department patrol officers responded to a medical emergency at a private residence, Chief Frank Pelaez said in a statement.
Upon arrival, the patrol officers found the victim, an 18-year-old woman, who was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene.
There were indications of a possible drug overdose, prompting the response of detectives from the Guttenberg PD’s Criminal Investigation Unit.
On scene, Guttenberg police detectives determined that the victim had ingested a substance that led to her death.
The Criminal Investigation Unit of the Guttenberg PD launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death and the related drug activity.
After months of investigation, detectives concluded that the controlled dangerous substance responsible for the victim’s death contained Fentanyl.
After months of following leads and reviewing evidence, Guttenberg Police Detectives identified Joshua Burgos, a 30-year-old from Ridgefield Park, as the person who distributed the lethal dose of narcotics to the victim.
On Monday, March 2nd, detectives from the Guttenberg PD’s Criminal Investigation Unit arrested Burgos at a residence in Ridgefield Park.
During the arrest, the Detectives discovered numerous pills of an unknown nature, along with drug paraphernalia and cash.
As a result of the investigation, Burgos was arrested and charged with first-degree strict liability for drug-induced death.
He was remanded to the Hudson County Correctional Center in Kearny, pending his first appearance in Hudson County Superior Court in Jersey City.
“I would like to commend the detectives of the Guttenberg Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Unit for their dedication and hard work in solving this case. Their efforts are truly commendable and reflect a deep commitment to the work they do day in and day out, as well as their determination to keep Guttenberg’s residents safe,” Pelaez said in a statement.
“The work that they did was nothing short of remarkable. I would like to emphasize that the sale of illegal drugs, particularly the distribution of Fentanyl, which has led to numerous tragic and senseless losses of life in this county, will not be tolerated. Those who choose to distribute this harmful substance in Guttenberg can be assured that our detectives will take all necessary steps to hold them accountable.”
He also thanked the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance in the matter.
If anyone has any information pertaining to this incident, they are encouraged to contact the Guttenberg PD at 201-868-3300 or email Det. Andres Lozano at alozano@guttenbergpolice.org
John, crooks just hacked HC SNAP system and wiped millions of $$$ form hundreds of recipients leaving them with neat zeros on their accounts. That is after previous same hack a few years ago. This time around, no money for reimbursements. Sorry, suck it up folks, says Craig Guy.
Why don’t you investigate this, instead of recycling PR releases?
While what you mentioned sounds like a story, a young woman is dead due to someone’s extremely irresponsible actions and now he’s being held accountable. I don’t know how anyone can say that is not worth mentioning.
In NJ a few people a day in die from fentanyl. Adjust stats for HC density. This should be front page news, daily. It is not, BC they die in silence. John, you have poor record reporting fentanyl epidemic in HC.
Fentanyl precursors are provided by China and finished product is made in Mexico. Due to potency, profits are 10 fold as opposed to coke. However, dealers screw up ratios in final mixture and very often kill a customer by accident. For every fentanyl press release there are hundreds of dead which go unreported. Sad.
So, when are you going to pay a visit to Cornelison Ave. and ask hard questions about that (second) SNAP mega heist? Guy will not issue a press release.