https://newsroomamerica.com/a/2sT46rMePJ7I6U9FgvwGxz7ranx/a_new_jersey_drug_trafficking_leader_received_a_96_month_prison_sentence_for_distributing_fentanyl_analogues_and_money_laundering_the_organization_imported_drugs_from_china_and_pressed_them_into_counterfeit_pills.html

NEWARK, N.J. – Michael Action, a leader of a significant drug trafficking organization, was sentenced yesterday to 96 months and 19 days in prison for his role in fentanyl analogue distribution and money laundering conspiracies. The Essex County man was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release and pay a $5 million forfeiture money judgment.

Action, 51, of Bloomfield, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court to drug trafficking conspiracy and money laundering. His sentencing follows that of co-leader Thomas Padovano, who received 234 months, and co-conspirator William Panzera, sentenced to 144 months. Six other co-conspirators are awaiting sentencing.

From January 2014 through September 2020, Action, Padovano, and others imported and distributed various controlled substances, including fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, methylone, and ketamine, primarily from China via commercial package delivery. Action received these drug-laden packages and distributed some in bulk, while others were delivered to Padovano for storage in a Newark trailer. There, fentanyl analogues were pressed into counterfeit pharmaceutical pills for distribution. Action also engaged in financial transactions to spend drug proceeds.

U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer emphasized the message of the sentence, saying, “leaders of drug‑trafficking networks will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.” HSI Newark Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas added that the sentencing reflects HSI’s focus on stopping illicit drug flow and disrupting financial networks, stating, “We will continue to pursue the criminal organizations responsible for America’s drug crisis.”

The investigation was a collaborative effort led by Homeland Security Investigations – Newark, with assistance from the FBI – Newark Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Newark Police Department, and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative, a whole-of-government partnership aimed at dismantling criminal cartels and transnational criminal organizations.