Paterson police arrest 2, seize 2 pounds of marijuana from idling car
By Jayed Rahman
Published: January 3, 2017
Police arrested a New York and a Lodi man on Friday night and seized 2 pounds of marijuana in a bust on North 10th Street, said police director Jerry Speziale.
Keith Chandler, 26, of New City, NY; and Steven Baker, 22, of Lodi, were inside a silver vehicle with out of state plates idling in the roadway at the intersection of North 10th and Temple Streets impeding flow of traffic at 11:30 p.m.
Detective from the Gang Enforcement Unit approached the vehicle on foot and detected a strong odor of raw marijuana. A dark duffle bag containing a plastic bag inside was observed behind the driver, Baker, that contained 2 pounds of marijuana, said police.
Police also confiscated $1,005 in cash from the vehicle, said the director. Detectives arrested Chandler and Baker. Both, the front passenger and the driver, were charged with marijuana possession and intent to distribute, said police.
Detective sergeant Richard LaTrecchia and detectives William Hermann and Jose Torres were responsible for the bust.
“This is indicative of the team work at the Paterson Police Department and the tireless efforts by its members in making a drug-free city,” said Speziale.