Police in Paterson NJ recently arrested two local men accused of possessing a large quantity of cocaine while driving in the city.
Passaic County Sheriff s Office detectives, assisted by officials with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), were conducting an investigation in the area of 21st Avenue in Paterson NJ when they spotted a Honda Odyssey continually driving around the block. The minivan reportedly circled the block a number of times, prompting law enforcement to eventually stop the van and speak with the vehicle occupants.
During a subsequent search of the vehicle, a narcotics detective with the Passaic County Sheriff s Office allegedly found four pounds of cocaine. The drugs were allegedly hidden in a secret hydraulic compartment in the minivan. According to police, this sort of hidden compartment is often used to conceal drugs and other illegal items.
Additionally, police reportedly discovered 519 glassines of heroin and $7,230 in cash believed to be the proceeds of illegal drug sales.
Authorities said that the seized cocaine has an approximate street value of $200,000. The high value of the drugs seized by police stems from the fact that the cocaine is considered pure and undiluted.
The suspects are residents of Paterson, New Jersey. They include the 32-year-old driver of the minivan and a 23-year-old passenger.
Both suspects face criminal charges for drug possession and drug distribution, including possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and possession of heroin.
For additional information about this case, access the NJ.com article, “$200K in Cocaine Found Hidden in Minivan in Paterson, Sheriff Says.”
