Officers from multiple agencies reportedly found drugs after executing searches on the vehicle of an Elizabeth man and the home of a Newark man, arresting both. The arrests came on Jan. 7, according to an announcement by the Acting Union County Prosecutor.
Reportedly, a 26-year-old Elizabeth man was stopped in his vehicle and police searched it, allegedly discovering two pounds of marijuana and a kilogram of heroin. Officers also stopped a 36-year-old Newark man. A search warrant was then executed on the Newark man's home, where police stated they found 4 pounds of marijuana and 500 grams of heroin.
Both men were arrested. They are currently being held in lieu of $200,000 bond. The men were charged with first degree possession of heroin with intent to distribute, an offense that could lead to up to 20 years of prison time. In addition to the distribution charges, the men face several third and fourth degree felony drug offense charges as well.
Drug distribution charges carry stiffer potential penalties than do simple possession charges. Sometimes, the amount of a drug that is in a person's possession will lead to a distribution charge as greater amounts are viewed as indicative of an intent to distribute. People who are facing drug charges may want to get help from a criminal defense attorney in order to fight the allegations against them. With an attorney's help, people may be able to secure a plea to a lesser offense, challenge the manner in which a search or seizure was conducted, seek suppression of evidence or fight their cases through to conclusion at a jury trial. An attorney may have a better understanding of the law, evidentiary rules and courtroom procedure. He or she may also have investigators that can help track down witnesses and learn more about the case.
Source: NJ.com, "Union County bust nets 6 pounds of marijuana, kilo-plus of heroin, two arrests, authorities say," Tom Haydon, Jan. 09, 2015"