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Somerset County man admits conspiring to distribute over 18 kilograms of heroin

WATCHUNG BOROUGH, NJ (Somerset County) – A Somerset County man Wednesday admitted his role in a drug trafficking network that was responsible for the importation of large quantities of heroin into New Jersey, according to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

William T. Bouza, 45, of Watchung Borough pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to conspiracy to distribute heroin and possession of heroin with intent to distribute, Sellinger said.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, in February 2019, Bouza arranged for a vehicle that was equipped with a secret compartment, or “trap,” containing 15 kilograms of heroin, to be shipped from California to a location in Union County. Law enforcement intercepted the vehicle, seized the narcotics, and identified Bouza as the intended recipient. In the following months, law enforcement determined that Bouza was storing and processing narcotics for street-level distribution at multiple locations in Essex County.

In October 2019, Bouza was apprehended. Law enforcement subsequently discovered more than 1,000 packages, or “bricks” of heroin, each containing approximately 50 individual doses, in one of Bouza’s stash-houses. In total, law enforcement seized over 18 kilograms of heroin belonging to Bouza, according to documents filed in this case and statements made in court.

The controlled substances offenses carry a maximum penalty of life in prison, a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison and a $10 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 13.

Jay Edwards

Born and raised in Northwest NJ, Jay has a degree in Communications and has had a life-long interest in local radio and various styles of music. Jay has held numerous jobs over the years such as stunt car driver, bartender, voice-over artist, traffic reporter (award winning), NY Yankee maintenance crewmember and peanut farm worker. His hobbies include mountain climbing, snowmobiling, cooking, performing stand-up comedy and he is an avid squirrel watcher. Jay has been a guest on America’s Morning Headquarters,program on The Weather Channel, and was interviewed by Sam Champion.

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