Police: 2 men arrested on heroin charges, one claims he had a prescription

Two New York men were arrested by Port Authority police on drug possession charges early this afternoon, with one man claiming he had “a prescription for heroin,” authorities said. 

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

Armando Otano, 39, of Brooklyn, New York, was charged with driving under the influence, driving under the influence while in a school zone and reckless driving, according to Port Authority police spokesman Joe Pentangelo.

Additionally, Tony Burgos, 43, of Brooklyn, New York, was arrested for possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of a hypodermic needle, police said.

At about 12:30 p.m. today, a Port Authority police officer was on patrol in a marked police car when he stopped a 2002 black Lexus for running a red light at 14th Street and Manila Avenue in Jersey City, officials said.

When the officer was speaking to Otano, he noted that the driver’s eyes were watery and bloodshot and that his speech was halting and unclear, authorities said.

Otano and his passenger, Burgos, were then both removed from the vehicle, with Burgos claiming that he had a “prescription for heroin,” police said.

Burgos was found to be in possession of two hypodermic needles and 11 glassine packs of heroin, which were in his front pants pocket, officials said.

Furthermore, Otano indicated that he had smoked marijuana within the last half hour. Both suspects were placed under arrest and the vehicle was impounded, authorities said.