City police confiscated two pounds of marijuana, six bags of crack-cocaine, and seven bags of powdered cocaine from an alleged drug dealer who was distributing narcotics out of a parked minivan on Carroll Street, said police director Jerry Speziale.
Ishmael Marrero, 26-year-old, was arrested at about 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, after undercover police officers observed him conducting drug transactions out of a 2012 Honda Odyssey on Carroll Street between Market Street and Park Avenue.
Speziale said police setup surveillance on 267 Carroll Street following a Friday evening operation that resulted in one arrest and the seizure of 26 bags of marijuana in the same vicinity. Officers Bruce Dellacruz, Frank Caravello, and John Stradella watched as Marrero entered and exited the minivan to complete drug transactions.
Officers approached the suspect while he was inside the vehicle and conducted a field interview. Police smelled strong marijuana odor coming out of the vehicle. Officers noticed a partially open camouflaged duffel bag stuffed with bags of marijuana inside the vehicle.
Marrero was placed under arrest. Further search of the vehicle yielded two pounds of marijuana, six bags of crack-cocaine, and seven bags of powdered cocaine, said Speziale.
Speziale said Marrero’s vehicle and drugs were seized by police. Marrero has been charged with possession of all three drugs, intent to distribute all three drugs, and intent to distribute all three drugs near a park and in a school zone.
“These officers are dedicated to making Paterson a safer city,” said Speziale. “They work tirelessly every day to remove drugs and guns from our streets. I am proud to lead and stand shoulder to shoulder with the fine officers.”
The director said Marrero is in police custody and is being held in city police lockup.
“Together with the community and such a motivated Police Department we will achieve our goal of the safer and better Paterson,” said Speziale.