The trio are also believed to have entered the country illegally.
CAMDEN -- Three South Jersey men were arrested late last week and charged with allegedly trafficking drugs across the state for distribution in Camden County, authorities said Thursday.
Sergio Garcia-Privado, 38, and Carlos Espinosa-Muniz, 29, both of Winslow Township, and Mauricio Garcia-Privado, 32, of Lindenwold, were arrested Friday after a month-long multi-agency investigation. They are accused of being part of a drug trafficking organization that allegedly acquired cocaine and marijuana in North Jersey, according to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office.
The trio, who are now behind bars at the Camden County Jail on $100,000 bail each, are suspected to have entered the U.S. illegally. They have since had U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers placed on them by Homeland Security Investigations.
According to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office (CCPO), Sergio Garcia-Privado and Espinosa-Muniz were caught in Lindenwold after a car chase that began in Voorhees and included an officer being struck by their vehicle.
"Both men were captured after the vehicle struck a tree in Lindenwold," according to the CCPO.
After search warrants were executed, authorities reportedly seized a little less than five ounces cocaine, more than six pounds of marijuana, approximately $13,500 cash, three firearms and three vehicles.
Sergio Garcia-Privado and Espinosa-Muniz are charged with possession of controlled dangerous substances (CDS), possession of CDS with intent to distribute, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, eluding and resisting arrest.
Sergio Garcia-Privado was also charged with possession of a weapon during a CDS offense. Mauricio Garcia-Privado, Sergio's brother, was charged with conspiracy to distribute CDS.
Greg Adomaitis may be reached at gadomaitis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregAdomaitis. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.