Sheriff: Two illegals arrested, $25,000 worth cocaine seized in Paterson | Paterson Times Paterson Times

Sheriff: Two illegals arrested, $25,000 worth cocaine seized in Paterson

By Jonathan Greene
Published: March 25, 2016

passaic-sheriff

Two alleged drug dealers were apprehended and $25,000 worth of cocaine was seized on Thursday concluding a month-long investigation into a Totowa Avenue home used for drug dealing, according to Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik.

Danis Servino-Rodriguez, 48, of Paterson, and Wilton Mena-Martinez, 48, of the Bronx, were charged with cocaine possession, possession with intent to distribute, intent to distribute close to a school, intent to deal near a park, authorities said.

Rodriguez was additionally charged with unlawful handgun possession, weapon possession while distributing drugs, possession of a stolen handgun, and hindering apprehension.

Authorities seized 28 baggies of cocaine, 470 grams of raw cocaine, a .22 caliber Jenning semi-automatic handgun, and $8,756 in cash, Berdnik said.

Rodriguez was using 141 Totowa Avenue and a 2004 BMW 530 to distribute drugs, authorities said.

Detectives setup surveillance outside the home. On Thursday, authorities observed Rodriguez and Martinez enter the BMW leave the area.

A motor vehicle stop was made and the car was searched. 26 zip-lock baggies of cocaine was found inside a secret compartment inside a lint roller, authorities said. A search of Martinez yielded 2 baggies of cocaine and $7,690 in cash.

Authorities placed both men under arrest and the car was seized pending forfeiture. A search of Rodriguez’s home yielded 470 grams of raw cocaine and $1,066 in cash.

Berdnik said the cocaine was stashed inside false compartments likes break cleaner, Cheetos, Lipton Ice Tea, and paint can. A .22cal Jennings semi-automatic handgun reported stolen out of Ohio on Sept. 12, 2014 and 93 bullets was also seized, authorities said.

Authorities said Rodriguez and Martinez were illegally in this country.

Rodriguez provided false documentation that said he was a U.S. resident from Puerto Rico. It was learned Rodriguez is an illegal alien from the Dominican Republic.

Martinez is an illegal immigrant from the Dominican Republic, authorities said.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security was contacted and both have been placed on immigration detainers, authorities said.

“I want to commend the Detectives involved in this major drug and weapon arrest,” Berdnik said. “This investigation yielded not only two arrests, but the confiscation of drugs, guns and money. The PCSO considers this a very significant investigation and arrests.”


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