A New Jersey man has been convicted for his role in a vast fentanyl trafficking operation and money laundering scheme that spanned nearly seven years. William Panzera, 51, of North Haledon, was found guilty on January 27 by a federal jury in Newark of conspiring to distribute fentanyl-related substances and laundering illicit profits.
The conviction comes after a lengthy investigation into a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that imported and distributed dangerous fentanyl analogues, MDMA, methylone, and ketamine. According to court documents, between January 2014 and September 2020, Panzera and his co-conspirators sourced these controlled substances from suppliers in China, making payments through wire transfers and cryptocurrency. They then distributed the drugs across New Jersey, often in the form of counterfeit pills that were laced with fentanyl analogues, a potent opioid that has fueled the ongoing overdose crisis in the U.S.
Panzera was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute over 100 grams of furanyl fentanyl and 4 fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl, as well as conspiracy to commit international promotional money laundering. His conviction is part of a broader investigation that has already seen eight other defendants plead guilty in connection with the operation.
Panzera now faces significant penalties for his actions. For the drug trafficking charge, he is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, with the possibility of a life sentence, in addition to a fine of up to $10 million. The money laundering charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000. His sentencing is scheduled for June 25, 2024.
The investigation into Panzera’s activities was spearheaded by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark, with assistance from several federal agencies, including the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the IRS Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sammi Malek and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Hasapidis-Sferra, with support from the Justice Department’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section.
In the wake of Panzera’s conviction, federal officials are emphasizing the need for continued vigilance against the flow of illegal fentanyl into the U.S. “Fentanyl-related substances continue to wreak havoc on communities across the country, and we will relentlessly pursue those who traffic these lethal drugs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna for the District of New Jersey.
The case also serves as a reminder of the risks posed by counterfeit pills, often sold online or through illicit networks, which can be laced with deadly substances like fentanyl. As the investigation continues, authorities remain committed to dismantling drug trafficking operations and holding those responsible accountable.
