State police pulled over a vehicle on the Turnpike early today to discover drugs, counterfeit money and a man wanted by the NJ State Parole Board and the Port Authority of NY & NJ, a spokesman said.
The suspects were stopped in a black Dodge Charger about 3 a.m. near Woodbridge for failure to maintain a lane, said State Police Sgt. Brian Polite.
“As (the troopers) approached the vehicle, they detected a strong odor of marijuana,” Polite said. Subsequent investigation led police to identify the driver, who is believed to be a member of the Bloods street gang, according to police.
Both men were placed in handcuffs as Troopers called for a police dog. Troopers obtained permission from the driver to search the vehicle, Polite said. “The police dog detected the presence of narcotics in the car,” Polite said.
Inside the car, officers found 259 decks of heroin, 4 ounces of marijuana, 10 suspected Oxycodone pills and $450 in counterfeit cash, Polite said. The heroin was worth about $2,590, the marijuana was worth $800 and the pills were worth $50, Polite said. Polite said a criminal check showed the defendant was wanted by the New Jersey State Parole Board and the Port Authority of NY & NJ. Details on why the defendant is wanted have not been released yet.
Both suspects were charged with: – Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute – Possession of heroin with intent to distribute – Possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana – Possession of heroin – Possession of a controlled dangerous substance without a prescription – Possession of fake currency
The driver was additionally charged with hindering apprehension for giving false name, Polite said.
The suspects were taken to the Middlesex County jail where they have both been placed on bail ranging from $25,000 – $20,000.
