Passaic County law enforcement recently arrested two men accused of distributing heroin throughout New Jersey.
Detectives with the Passaic County Sheriff s Office received a tip about drug activity in the third ward of Paterson, so they set up surveillance in the area. While conducting surveillance, police spotted the suspects putting a bag into the trunk of a vehicle.
Passaic County detectives then watched the suspects drive away. A short time later, police pulled over the suspects vehicle.
When police searched the car, they reportedly found 1,450 packets of heroin. The glassine envelopes of heroin have a street value of approximately $7,500.
The suspects, who are both from Albany, New York, have been charged with several drug offenses, including possession of heroin and possession of heroin with intent to distribute. The suspects also face enhanced penalties for allegedly distributing heroin within 1,000 feet of a public school.
The Passaic County Sheriff s Office continues to investigate the suspects, so additional charges could be forthcoming.
Meanwhile, the Passaic County Sheriff s Office issued a statement commending the arresting officers and warning drug dealers to steer clear of Passaic County.
If the suspects are ultimately convicted of distributing heroin, they would be subject to severe penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5, manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing heroin in a quantity of five ounces or greater is a first degree crime. A conviction on first degree heroin distribution charges could result in a sentence of 10-20 years in New Jersey State Prison.
After being arrested and charged, the suspects were taken to a Paterson police cell block. They were being held at the police station while bail was pending.
For additional information about this case, read the NJ.com article, “N.Y. Men Allegedly Caught with 1,450 Packets of Heroin in Paterson.”
