HAMMONTON, NJ – Authorities arrested three men at a fruit farm in Atlantic County, New Jersey, last weekend as part of a sting operation that produced $25,000 in cash and a cache of drugs valued at more than $45,000.

The tree men arrested in conjunction with the investigation—dubbed “Operation Crystal Ball”—were all employees of Columbia Fruit Farms, according to local news source The Press of Atlantic City.

The Atlantic County Regional SWAT Team executed search warrants at the farm and a nearby location in Hammonton, seizing 11 ounces of methamphetamine, 20 ounces of cocaine, a handgun, two cars, and $25,000 in cash.

Juvenal Duran-Almanza, 29, and Moises Duran-Almanza, 38, have both been charged with several counts of possession and distribution of cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as firearms offenses, while Vincent Lopez-Hernandez, 24, has been charged with attempt to distribute a controlled dangerous substance and cocaine possession. All three defendants are currently being held in the Atlantic County jail pending hearings.

According to Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner, the raid was a result of collaboration between the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, Drug Enforcement Agency, Hammonton Police Department, Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office, Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Stockton University Police Department.

The Press of Atlantic City was unable to reach Columbia Fruit Farms for comment.

Where will criminal enterprises attempt to infiltrate the fresh produce industry next? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.