A California truck driver who New Jersey State Police found transporting more than $10 million worth heroin was sentenced to 10 years in prison Friday.
Oscar Franco, 59, of Chula Vista, Calif., was arrested Aug. 14, when a routine commercial inspection led to the discovery of 36 kilograms of heroin inside duffel bags.
Trooper Brian Dolinsky noticed significant irregularities in Franco's bill of lading and logbook, authorities said. His trip from San Diego also included unexplained detours.
Dolinsky got permission to search the truck and found two duffel bags with the heroin wrapped in black tape.
"Based on the large quantity of heroin seized, and the resulting disruption of a major narcotic supply line, Trooper Dolinsky in all likelihood saved a life or, at the very least, prevented someone from becoming an addict," said Col. Rick Fuentes, superintendent of the State Police.
Franco pleaded guilty on March 2 to first-degree possession of heroin with intent to distribute.
"As a major transporter of heroin, Franco not only was driving addiction in New Jersey, he was also fueling the gun violence that accompanies street-level drug dealing," said Elie Honig, director of the Department of Criminal Justice. "We'll continue to work with the New Jersey State Police and our law enforcement partners at all levels to ensure that heroin suppliers like Franco face lengthy prison terms."
Franco must serve at least three years without parole.
"Every time we put a heroin trafficker like Franco in prison, we cut off a major supply line for this lucrative criminal market and save lives that otherwise would have fallen victim to his poison," Attorney General Christopher Porrino said.
