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Prosecutor: Lodi, Teaneck Men Got 4½ Pounds Of Fentanyl Shipped Via Mail

HACKENSACK, N.J. – A Lodi man assisted by a Teaneck accomplice used the U.S. Postal Service to collect the morphine-like synthetic drug Fentanyl for statewide distribution, authorities said Friday.

Leo Mollette Jr., Eric Stalsbroten

Leo Mollette Jr., Eric Stalsbroten

Photo Credit: MUGSHOT: Courtesy BERGEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR

Leo Mollette Jr., 41, and Eric Stalsbroten, 38, were arrested at the Lodi post officer following an investigation that involved the the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Postal Inspection Service and Lodi police, Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal said.

A search of Stalsbroten’s vehicle turned up more than 4½ pounds of the drug in two packages, he said.

Both men produced a curious pair of mugshots -- with Mollette smiling for his and Stalbroten appearing stunned.

Although initially taken to the Bergen County Jail, both were released under New Jersey's 2017 bail reform law on various drug and conspiracy charges.

Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that's 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It comes with a high risk of overdose and is often mixed with heroin or cocaine for street sale, which only increases its potential danger.   

Certain strains are resistant to Narcan, the overdose-reversal drug, the DEA says.

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