The Union City Police Department Narcotics Task Force recently made one of the largest seizures of marijuana in years thanks to a tip received from an unnamed citizen informant.
“I have been here for 30 years, and this is one of the top three [biggest] marijuana busts we’ve had,” said Chief of Police Charles Everett.
That same week the task force also made several arrests in a drug raid at a local Union City bar following months of investigation.
Caught ‘Red’ handed
Charlie Red, 38, of Miami, FL, was arrested last Friday, July 6, after police found him allegedly in possession of about 25-pounds of marijuana.
“The Narcotics Task Force received information that there was a male in the area of 20th Street and Bergenline Avenue, and he was carrying several large suitcases,” said Captain Richard Molinari. “[The informant said] that there was an odor of marijuana coming from the bags.”
Acting on the information, police observed Red as he got into a cab, and placed the suitcases in the trunk. Officers then made a motor vehicle stop at 22nd Street and Kennedy Boulevard, and smelled the odor of unburned marijuana as they approached Red.
“Subsequent of the investigation it was revealed [Red] was allegedly in possession of marijuana,” said Molinari.
The Narcotics Task Force allegedly found two suitcases and a shopping bag full of resealable bags of marijuana, as well as $5,722 in cash within the bags. Another $4,700 bill bulge was also confiscated, which Red had hidden in the crotch of his pants.
“A total of $10,422 [in cash] was also confiscated as part of the narcotics seizure,” said Molinari.
Police say they confiscated a total of 47 bags of marijuana with a street value of $190,000.
“This marijuana bust is very significant [because it happened] through cooperation from the public,” said Molinari. “Someone who saw something out of the ordinary, contacted the Police Department, and allowed us to investigate.”
Red was charged four counts including: possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school zone (Emerson High School), possession with intent to distribute within 500 feet from a park (21st Street and Summit Avenue), and possession of marijuana.
Red was arrested, charged, and taken to Hudson County Correctional, where he was arraigned last Monday at Central Judicial Processing Court. His bail is set at $250,000. However, the judge has scheduled a hearing before Red can even attempt to post bail to determine where the bail money is coming from.
The Police Department is questioning Red’s identity. Although his identification claims he is Charlie Red, Red needed a Spanish interpreter during the arraignment.
“So he’s not getting out anytime soon,” said Molinari.
Second drug bust
In addition, on Thursday, July 5, the Narcotics Task Force had another significant drug raid at Johnson’s Tavern, located at 404 36th Street.
“We executed a court ordered search warrant at the [bar] following a narcotics investigation stemming from November,” said Molinari. “As a result of the narcotics executed search warrant, we made seven arrests and one was the tavern owner.”
According to the police report, tavern owner, Thomas Woltman, 43, of Fairview, was stopped outside the tavern at the time they executed the search warrant. He was allegedly found to be in the possession what appeared to be cocaine and $500 in cash at the time.
Woltman was subsequently arrested, and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, maintaining a nuisance, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS), possession of a CDS near school property, possession of a CDS within 1,000 feet of a school zone, and distribution of a CDS within 500 feet from a park.
Police confiscated several ounces of cocaine, and 96 ecstasy pills, as well as $2,000 in cash during the raid. The suspects were all arraigned last Friday.
Narcotics Task Force on the job
Over the last several years, the Union City Narcotics Task Force has made more prevalent and frequent drug busts, thanks to refocused efforts and more community involvement.
“They have been very active for the last few years because they have been refocusing on their main priority, which is narcotics and vice,” said Everett.
In the past, the Narcotics Task Force Unit also focused and assisted with other street criminal activity. “Now the unit is focusing on what it was designed to focus on,” said Everett.
In addition, the department formed the Gang Suppression Detail to focus on street crimes and gang activity, which includes educating the community about gangs.
“So far we have disrupted several large gang meetings and made numerous arrests [on minor charges],” said Everett. “Recently we made 16 arrests for trespassing and other minor charges.”
The department also has another plainclothes detail that focuses on crime during the day.
Putting money to work for law enforcement
In addition, thanks to an initiative by the Hudson County Prosecutors Office, any money seized in a drug bust (after its been processed for the crime) is deposited in an account, which can then be used by the municipal police department.
“Within the past month, the narcotics unit has seized over $25,000 worth of cash,” said Everett.
The $25,000 will be added to an existing $50,000 already accrued in the account for Union City.
“We use the money to buy equipment [and other necessities] needed for law enforcement,” said Everett.
Among the things the department has purchased with the money in the past is a video link with Hudson County Correctional Facility, which allows them to arraign and charge criminals without having to move them. Jessica Rosero can be reached at jrosero@hudsonreporter.com