The Union City Police Department teamed up with several law enforcement agencies to execute a major narcotics bust yesterday, which included the recovery of ecstacy, acid, methamphetamine, prescription drugs, and over $51,000 in cash, authorities said.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Aided by the Newark Airport Border Enforcement Security Taskforce, Customs and Border Protection Agency (both a part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security), Hudson County Prosecutors Office, and the U.S. Postal Service, the UCPD conducted an investigation into a narcotics operation at 809 22nd St., officials said.
Officers from the Union City Quality of Life Unit, assisted by Homeland Security Investigations, recovered a quantity of narcotics from the 22nd Street address.
The recovery included over 1,200 pills and tablets suspected to be ecstasy/MDMA, methamphetamine, marijuana, mushrooms, acid, and prescription medications, along with various items that are indicative of the distribution of narcotics.
Additionally, the UCPD seized over $51,000 in cash.
Yonathan Seligman, 29, was arrested and charged with multiple first and second degree narcotics offenses, including maintaining and operating a controlled dangerous substances production facility.
As a result, Seligman was placed on a warrant and transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.
“The Union City Quality of Life Unit did a tremendous job. Created in 2018, the officers assigned to the Quality of Life Unit are responsible for narcotics investigations, gang intelligence as well as other issues directly impacting the quality of life of our Union City residents,” Union City Police Chief Nichelle Luster said in a statement.
“This Unit continues to be successful as a result of the combination of communication with our community and ongoing intelligence sharing with other agencies. Our Department philosophy of community policing transcends one unit and extends to each and every officer who strives to make Union City a great place to live and work.”
State Senator (D-33)/Mayor Brian Stack, the commissioner of the city’s department of public safety, credited the UCPD’s working relationship with residents for breaking up the drug operation.
“One of the keys to keeping crime low is communication with the residents, especially by the Police Department. This is another shining example of the excellent work done by our Police Department,” Stack added.
“I encourage those who have information on this or any crime to call our Quality of Life Unit Tip Line at 201-348-5705. You may leave your contact information or remain anonymous.”
Can’t wait to see who this kid narcs on!