Increases penalties for unlawfully manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing fentanyl.

This bill increases penalties for unlawfully manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing fentanyl in New Jersey. It reclassifies fentanyl offenses to match penalties for heroin and cocaine: possession of five ounces or more becomes a first-degree crime (10-20 year prison term, $500,000 fine, with mandatory minimum time ineligible for parole), 0.5 to five ounces becomes a second-degree crime (5-10 year term, $150,000 fine), and less than 0.5 ounces becomes a third-degree crime with a $75,000 fine (up from $15,000). The bill directly affects individuals convicted of fentanyl-related offenses under current law. These changes align fentanyl penalties with existing penalties for other high-level narcotics.