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DA: Fentanyl and carfentanil from China seized in Montgomery County drug investigation

Published  March 28, 2018 9:51pm EDT
U.S.
FOX 29 Philadelphia

MONTGOMERY COUNTY (WTXF) - Authorities announced the arrest of two men in connection with trafficking fentanyl and the deadlier carfentanil, which they allegedly ordered, purchased and had shipped from China to residences in Lower Merion and Upper Merion Townships in Montgomery County.

Jamil I. Chapman, 26, and Nasai J. Chapman, 23, both of Collingdale, were charged with multiple felony counts of including Operating a Corrupt Organization, Possession with Intent to Deliver, Criminal Attempt at Possession with Intent to Deliver, Dealing in the Proceeds of Unlawful Activities, Criminal Use of a Communications Facility and related charges. They were arraigned and bail was set at $250,000 cash each. Both were unable to post bail and were remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility.

The arrests come following a nine-month investigation. According to investigators, approximately 300 grams of fentanyl was physically seized. They also say an additional 400 to 500 grams of the much deadlier carfentanil was documented as having been ordered and shipped from China to Montgomery County.

Authorities say the investigation of the Chapmans began with an overdose investigation in June 2017 at an apartment complex in Lower Merion Township. Further investigation by Lower Merion police brought them back to the same apartment in September 2017, when detectives found 75 bags of suspected fentanyl and acetylfentanyl, stamped with the name "PLUTO," as well as other evidence of drug trafficking activity, according investigators. Authorities say other evidence from the apartment was tested and determined to be carfentanil.

Detectives say they learned that the Chapmans were expecting an incoming shipment from China. Homeland Security Investigators intercepted a package at JFK International Airport on Oct. 25, 2017, that was destined for an apartment in Upper Merion Township that detectives linked to the Chapmans. Investigators say testing by National Medical Services labs showed the package contained 99 grams of fentanyl. A second package was intercepted on Nov. 14, 2017, also at JFK International Airport and it found to contain 200 grams of fentanyl, authorities said.

According to authorities, the investigation also revealed previous purchases from China made by the Chapmans. Investigators say additional seven purchases were ordered and delivered from May through September 2017, totaling 400 to 500 grams of carfentanil--the majority of the packages were delivered to addresses in Montgomery County; two were delivered to Philadelphia addresses.

A preliminary hearing has been set for April 10.