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San Jose police union executive accused of importing synthetic opioids

Joanne Marian Segovia of the San Jose Police Officers' Association is accused of ordering fentanyl from overseas and distributing it in the U.S.
San Jose police union executive accused of importing synthetic opioids
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The executive director of the San Jose Police Officers' Association is accused of a scheme to distribute synthetic opioids. 

Authorities claim Joanne Marian Segovia would order synthetic opioids from dealers overseas using her personal and office computers. 

According to a criminal complaint, Segovia had at least 61 shipments mailed to her home, dating back to October 2015. 

"The manifests for these shipments declared their contents with labels like 'Wedding Party Favors,' 'Gift Makeup,' or 'Chocolate and Sweets,'" the Department of Justice said. 

SEE MORE: Officials see wave of rainbow-colored fentanyl across 21 states

During a Homeland Security investigation into a network shipping controlled substances into the San Francisco Bay Area from abroad, authorities say they intercepted five shipments meant for Segovia. Inside, they reportedly found thousands of pills, including synthetic opioids. 

Investigators claim Segovia was using WhatsApp to communicate about logistics for receiving and sending the pills. 

A parcel containing valeryl fentanyl addressed to Segovia was seized in Kentucky on March 10, authorities said. The package allegedly originated from China. 

Segovia made her first court appearance on Friday and was granted conditions of release. According to the Department of Justice, she faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. 

SEE MORE: US fighting fentanyl smuggling with new technology at southern border


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