Indian nationals Karanjit and Jagroop Singh charged after 19 kg of morphine-laced poppy pods seized in New Jersey home, may face deportation

Two Indian nationals in New Jersey have been charged after authorities intercepted nearly 19 kilograms of dried poppy pods containing morphine that were shipped from the Netherlands to a private home in Bergen County, NJ.

24-year-old Karanjit Singh and 25-year-old Jagroop Singh face charges of possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, Bergen County prosecutor Mark Musella said. ICE has lodged detainers against both men, meaning they could face deportation for commiting serious crimes and not being US citizens.

Homeland Security Investigations and US Customs and Border Protection intercepted the shipment, authorities said in January. It was intended for delivery to the Wood-Ridge residence in NJ.

Tests showed the dried poppy pods contained morphine, which is a controlled dangerous substance in the United States.

On 30 January, detectives carried out a court-approved search at the home and found the Singhs living there. They also discovered the poppy pods and other items used to distribute drugs, Musella said.

Both men were arrested and charged with second-degree possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance. They were remanded to the Bergen County Jail and made their first appearances in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack. Karanjit Singh was released pending further court action, while Jagroop Singh remained in custody.

In a separate issue in Canada, the Border Services Agency arrested Indian-origin truck driver Satnam Singh after he was found smuggling 700 pounds of methamphetamine hidden inside his vehicle. The incident took place in November 2025, but the border administration announced the charges against Singh earlier this week.