Two men have been arrested for selling heroin and crack cocaine at the Hoboken Housing Authority as the result of resident complaints, according to city police department.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“These arrests are the direct result of concerns raised by residents and our continued commitment to addressing quality-of-life issues in our community,” Police Chief Steven Aguiar said in a statement.
“We will continue working closely with the community to investigate and disrupt illegal narcotics activity in Hoboken.”
The investigation, by the Hoboken Police Department’s Detective Bureau and Street Crimes Unit, began after residents and HHA administrators reported concerns about suspected illegal narcotics distribution, drug use, and trespassing in the area.
On May 1st, detectives observed a hand-to-hand narcotics transaction on the 500 block of Jackson Street and identified the seller as Malik High, 31, of Hoboken.
He was charged with distribution of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS), distribution within 1,000 feet of a school zone, and distribution within 500 feet of public housing.
High was arrested on May 27th and additionally charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin after he was found to be in possession of suspected CDS and currency believed to be proceeds from narcotics sales.
Then on May 5th, detectives observed another suspected narcotics transaction on the 300 block of Jackson Street. A follow up investigation identified Mario Cruz, 53, of Hoboken, as the seller.
He was arrested on May 7th and charged with distribution of crack cocaine, distribution within 1,000 feet of a school zone, and distribution within 500 feet of public housing.
Three other individuals, identified as Joseph Rivera, 63, of Hoboken; Ricardo Hernandez, 47, of North Bergen; and Jacobo Guevara, 48, of Union City, were also arrested during the investigations on drug possession charges.
Additional charges may be filed as the investigations continue, authorities said.
The two yuts. Thankfully, they don’t have to pay the double-digit tax increase.