Six people were arrested on drug charges Thursday evening, said police director Jerry Speziale. Police also recovered a loaded semi-automatic handgun, said the director.

Arrested were city residents Edgar Mateo, 32, of Elberon Avenue; Neame Sanchez, 20, of North 7th Street; Eury Ortiz, 20, of 16th Street; Alexander Acevedo, 20, Montclair Avenue; and Christopher Velez, 24, of 4th Avenue.

Police also arrested Haledon resident Ashley Miyashiro, 24.

Mateo, Miyashiro, and Sanchez were each arrested on possession of 1 baggie of marijuana, said the director.

Ortiz was arrested on possession and distribution of 80 glassines of heroin. Ortiz was also charged with dealing near a school and resisting arrest. $264 in suspected drug proceeds was recovered from Ortiz.

Acevedo was charged with possession of 104 baggies of marijuana, said the director. He was charged with distribution, selling near a park and a school, and possession of drug paraphernalia, said the director.

The director said Acevedo was also found in possession of a stolen 45 caliber semi-automatic Sig Sauer handgun loaded with six hollow point bullets. Acevedo was charged with various weapons offenses.

$384 in suspected drug proceeds was confiscated from Acevedo.

Velez was arrested on possession of two heat sealed bags and one knotted bag of marijuana totaling 168 grams, said the director. He was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, distribution near a school and a park.

City police Narcotics Unit conducted the investigation at about 9:40 p.m. in vicinity of 36 East 17th Street, said the director.

“The drug dealers and armed felons must be removed from our streets and together if everyone does there part we will achieve a safer city,” said Speziale. “We cannot go this alone and need collaboration from the masses to do what none can do alone.”