Paterson police arrest three, seize more than 800 bags of heroin in Main Street bust
By Jonathan Greene
Published: October 10, 2020
The police arrested three people and seized more than 800 glassine envelopes of heroin in a bust on Main Street, according to public safety director Jerry Speziale.
Cruz Maisonet, 47, of Paterson; Juan I. Rodriguez, 32, of Montville, Penn.; and Edwin Malave, 60, of Paterson, were charged with numerous drug offenses.
Maisonet was charged with five drug offenses. Rodriguez and Malave were each charged with three drug offenses.
Rodriguez is a “fugitive of justice” out of Northern Lancaster County, police said. Police arrested the three suspects after setting up surveillance on Main Street and 20th Avenue on Friday.
Detectives observed Maisonet retrieve a plastic sandwich bag from a parked unoccupied vehicle at around 6:20 p.m. Vehicle was parked at 489 Main Street, near Maisonet’s residence, police said.
Police observed bundles of heroin in the clear plastic bag. Maisonet carried the bag to a car that was occupied by Rodriguez and Malave.
Detectives observed Maisonet hand the drugs to Malave for cash.
Maisonet had $1,803 in suspected drug money. Rodriguez had $939.
Police stepped in and arrested the three suspects.