NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Wood Ridge, NJ, February 16, 2026: Two Wood-Ridge residents have been charged with drug distribution offences after federal and local authorities intercepted a shipment of dried poppy pods from the Netherlands that officials say contained morphine, a controlled dangerous substance.
Karanjit Singh, 24, and Jagroop Singh, 25, both of Wood-Ridge, were charged with second-degree possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced.
Jail records indicate both men are Indian nationals, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged detainers against each of them.
According to the prosecutor’s office, Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection intercepted approximately 19 kilograms — about 42 pounds — of dried poppy pods in January. The shipment had been sent from the Netherlands and was intended for delivery to a residence in Wood-Ridge. Authorities later determined the pods contained morphine, which is classified as a controlled dangerous substance.
Following the interception, a joint investigation was launched involving the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotic Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Wood-Ridge Police Department.
On Friday, Jan. 30, detectives executed a court-authorized search warrant at the Wood-Ridge residence and identified the Singhs as the occupants, officials said. During the search, investigators recovered dried poppy pods and additional drug paraphernalia consistent with the distribution of controlled dangerous substances, according to Musella.
Both men were arrested and remanded to the Bergen County Jail. They later made their first court appearances in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack.
Authorities said Karanjit Singh was released pending further court action, while Jagroop Singh remains in custody pending further proceedings.
