Police in Linden arrested three men following a three-month narcotics investigation that culminated late last month.
According to police officials,** Mr. Juan Tavarez, 21, of Linden** and **Mr. Erik Colon, 22, of Perth Amboy**, are charged with narcotics distribution after Police seized marijuana and psychedelic mushrooms.
Police said the investigation began after local residents noticed suspicious activity and alerted police. Authorities said that they made the arrests after members of the Linden Police Department Narcotics Bureau, assisted by members of the Union County Prosecutor's Office Guns, Gangs, Drugs, and Violent Crimes Task Force and Roselle Police Department Narcotics Bureau executed a search warrant on the 500 block of W. Curtis St on September 28th.
“This investigation, as well as many others before it, was initiated because concerned citizens played their role in keeping their neighborhood safe by contacting the police. It is that relationship, as well as the relationship the Linden Police Department has with its’ law enforcement partners that allows us to keep our neighborhoods safe,” said Police Chief Jonathan Parham.
Police charged Tavarez with third-degree possession with intent to distribute marijuana and lesser charges and released on a summons.
Authorities charged Colon with third-degree possession of Psilocybin (psychedelic mushrooms) and lesser charges, as well as an additional third-degree charge for implicating another in a crime after he misidentified himself to investigating detectives. Colon was remanded to the Union County Jail pending an appearance in Superior Court on October 13th authorities said.
Police said they issued a summons to a third defendant, **Mr. Kyle McCall, 21, of Linden** for possession of marijuana and committed to the Union County Jail on an unrelated Burglary warrant.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.