Largest Methamphetamine Seizure in New Jersey History

CAMDEN, N.J. - Two men were charged under the New Jersey Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) with conspiring to distribute over 260 pounds of methamphetamine into New Jersey, which represents the largest seizure of methamphetamine in the state's history, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

"By preventing hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine from hitting the streets, this historic seizure has made New Jersey a safer place. And it has also sent an unmistakable message to drug traffickers who plan to enter the Garden State: stay out. We will find you and you will answer for any attempt to bring poison into our communities. I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their tireless work in this case and for putting themselves at risk for the benefit of public safety every day."

- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer

"Seizing 260 pounds of methamphetamine, the largest seizure in New Jersey, is a critical step in preventing these deadly drugs from reaching our neighborhoods," stated DEA New Jersey Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James. "This success highlights the power of collaboration between DEA and our law-enforcement partners at every level. By working together, we are making our community safer and holding drug traffickers accountable."

"This seizure and the resulting charges are a tremendous demonstration of partnerships at work, with members of the Homeland Security Task Force bringing these drug traffickers to justice. Over six million dollars of methamphetamine was seized, but what is priceless is the number of lives potentially saved by the extraordinary efforts of law enforcement in New Jersey," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy.

"This seizure represents a decisive blow against a large-scale drug trafficking organization that sought to move an extraordinary volume of methamphetamine into our state," stated Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, IRS Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office. "This case reflects the dedication and cooperation of every agency involved, and together we will continue to safeguard the residents of New Jersey by pursuing those who finance and facilitate the distribution of dangerous narcotics."

"Our communities are safer today as a result of the unwavering partnership between Homeland Security Investigations, the DEA, and our federal counterparts," said HSI Newark Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy. "This operation underscores our collective dedication to disrupting transnational criminal organizations and safeguarding the public from the threats posed by illicit drugs."

Marcos Cesar Acosta, 47, most recently of Chicago, Illinois, and Carlos H. Cordero-Guiterrez, 53, a citizen and national of Mexico, were charged by criminal complaint with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Acosta and Cordero-Guiterrez made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth A. Pascal on April 29, 2026 and were detained.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On April 28, 2026, Acosta traveled to New Jersey to supervise the delivery of hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine by a truck driven by Cordero-Guiterrez. That evening, after the truck arrived in New Jersey loaded with the methamphetamine, law enforcement officers arrested Acosta and Cordero-Guiterrez. Law enforcement seized three black storage boxes, one duffel bag, and a garbage bag from the truck cab, all of which contained methamphetamine. Collectively, the seized methamphetamine weighed over 260 pounds.

The conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a fine of up to $10 million.

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) MOPOD Enforcement Group 11 and the DEA Camden Resident Office under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James, for the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge­­­­ Stefanie Roddy in Newark, and IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, for their assistance in the investigation.

This operation is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative. The HSTF is a United States government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, transnational gangs, and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) worldwide. This initiative identifies TCOs engaged in a wide range of criminal schemes that violate federal law, while dismantling cross-border human smuggling and trafficking networks that fuel violence and instability that threatens the safety and security of the United States and its global partners.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Garelick of the U.S. Attorney's Office Criminal Division in Trenton.

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Defense counsel: Marcos Cesar Acosta: Margaret M. Grasso, Esq.

Carlos H. Cordero-Gutierrez: James P. Maguire, Esq., Federal Public Defenders.