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Paterson police seize $2 million worth of heroin | Paterson Times

Paterson police seize $2 million worth of heroin

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City police officers seized $2 million worth of pure heroin destined for a local processing mill on Wednesday afternoon, said police director Jerry Speziale.

Detectives from the Narcotics Unit conducted surveillance at the triangle where Market Street, 21st Avenue, and East 31st Street meet at about 5 p.m. after receiving a tip. K-9 “Barry” and narcotics officers seized nine pound of pure heroin which is worth $2 million, said the director.

Gabriel Mercado, age unknown, of River Street was stopped at the traffic triangle, and arrested by James DiPiazza and K-9 Barry.

Barry alerted police officers of the narcotics.

The seizure is the second largest in the city this year. In late October, authorities seized a tractor trailer of heroin that was being unloaded at a processing mill on 2nd Avenue. 18 kilograms of heroin and 20 kilograms of cocaine was recovered and four people were arrested.

Speziale said the investigation is ongoing and police suspect Mercado was very likely transporting the pure heroin to a processing mill for packaging and eventual street distribution.

Police have scheduled a press conference Thursday at 1 p.m. at their headquarters to reveal more information including the drugs seized and Mercado’s picture.

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