WORCESTER, Mass. — A Worcester resident is facing federal drug distribution charges after federal agents seized over three kilograms of fentanyl from his residence, according to court documents filed in federal court.
Junior Tejada Hernandez, 28, was taken into custody by federal authorities on October 21 and charged with one count of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute. He made his initial appearance before a federal magistrate in Worcester on October 22.
Court records indicate that federal law enforcement executed a search warrant at Tejada Hernandez’s one-bedroom apartment, locating the illicit narcotics inside the main bedroom. During the operation, investigators also searched a bedroom closet, recovering a suitcase packed with narcotics processing equipment. Seized items included cutting agents, packaging materials, a sifting tool, scissors, and a blender used to combine synthetic opioids with diluting agents.
According to data from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, a lethal dose of fentanyl can be as small as two milligrams—roughly equivalent to a few grains of salt. The synthetic opioid is estimated to be 50 times more potent than heroin.
If convicted, the federal charge carries a potential maximum penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison, a minimum of three years of supervised release, and fines reaching $1 million.
All charges against the defendant are allegations based on federal charging documents. The accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
