The police busted two people allegedly engaging in a drug deal at the parking lot of the Popeyes in Paterson on Thursday night, seizing 1,250 glassine envelopes of heroin and 2,513 cash, according to public safety director Jerry Speziale.
Police arrested Muhammad R. Al-Barr, 49, of Newark, and Marylin Aponte, 27, of Rahway at the parking lot at 237 Market Street at around 8:20 p.m.
Detectives in an unmarked vehicle were traveling in the parking lot of the Popeyes when they observed Aponte handing cash to Al-Barr, who was sitting in a car parked in the lot. Al-Barr then allegedly handed Aponte heroin.
Police placed both the alleged drug dealer and buyer under arrest. Al-Barr was charged with 15 drug offenses. Aponte was charged with heroin possession, police said.
Detectives also seized 82 plastic baggies of crack cocaine and 2 baggies of crystal meth in the bust.