One of New Jersey’s most wanted fugitives is back in Atlantic County after authorities say a 33-year-old Absecon man was tracked across the country and arrested in Sacramento in September on serious drug and weapons charges. Officials identified the suspect as Jordan Ragland. He is accused of shipping crystal methamphetamine from California to Atlantic City and running what prosecutors describe as a controlled dangerous substance production facility. Following his extradition, Ragland has been lodged in the Atlantic County Jail.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin laid out the details of the case in a recent statement, saying Ragland was taken into custody in Sacramento by a U.S. Marshals Service task force, with support from the New Jersey State Police Fugitive Unit. According to Platkin’s office, Ragland faces counts that include maintaining a controlled dangerous substance production facility, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and unlawful possession of an assault firearm and a semi-automatic pistol. Platkin also noted that Ragland was added to the State Police Most Wanted list earlier this year, and that his cousin, James Wright, was previously charged in the same probe and is now serving a five-year sentence, as reported by Daily Voice.
The investigation into Ragland dates back to fall 2020, when state detectives say they began flagging packages of crystal meth allegedly shipped from California to Atlantic City. Reporting at the time also linked Ragland to roughly $107,000 in suspected money-laundering activity at Atlantic City casinos, and noted that U.S. Postal Inspectors helped intercept at least one shipment from California. Those details were reported by CBS Philadelphia.
Arrest, Extradition And What Comes Next
According to the Attorney General’s statement, Ragland was taken into custody in Sacramento in September and later escorted back to New Jersey by state troopers to face the pending charges. His extradition and placement in the Atlantic County Jail were confirmed in the statement cited by Daily Voice. Authorities have not yet released any schedule for Ragland’s arraignment or additional court appearances…