A city drug dealer was arrested while handing bags of heroin to his customer on Hamilton Avenue early Thursday morning, according to Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik.

Louis Allen, 52, of Paterson, was seen distributing heroin to Nelson Ford, 41, of Paterson, on Hamilton Avenue and Carroll Street at around 3:48 a.m.

Passaic County sheriff officer Angelo Calabro observed the alleged transaction while patrolling the area. He immediately exited his car and arrested both suspects.

The alleged dealer, Allen, had 1 bundle of heroin and 10 small bags of crack cocaine, authorities said. The alleged buyer, Ford, had 4 bundles of heroin, 19 syringes, and 1 glass tubing commonly used for smoking crack cocaine.

Allen was charged with six drug offenses for possession and distribution while Ford was charged with possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Authorities found both men had outstanding criminal warrants.

Allen had three criminal warrants out of the Passaic County Superior Court, one for owing $28,776 in child support.

Ford had eight criminal warrants out of the Paterson municipal court.