By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Mercer County announced that a two-month investigation into the distribution of fentanyl and heroin in Hamilton Township, conducted by the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force (MCNTF) in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, culminated this week with one arrest and the seizure of $32,000 in heroin.
Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey reported that Edwin Vargas, 52, of Teaneck, was arrested on February 11, as a result of the investigation conducted by the members of the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force, with assistance from the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Ewing, Hamilton and Trenton police.
After receiving information that Vargas was transporting a large quantity of narcotics to Mercer County, officers established surveillance on him as he traveled into Hamilton Township in the area of the Woodrow Wilson Service Area, MCPO officials stated.
Mercer County authorities say that at approximately 11:30 a.m., the MCNTF and the Hamilton Police Division conducted a motor vehicle stop on a Kia Telluride being operated by Vargas on the New Jersey Turnpike.
Vargas was detained without incident, and the vehicle was secured pending execution of a search warrant, MCPO officials said.
According to Mercer County officials, Sgt. Tom Paglione utilized his K-9 partner, Indy, to conduct an interior “sniff” of the Kia Telluride.
Indy gave a positive indication for narcotic odor on the center console of the vehicle, and a search revealed a hydraulic trap containing approximately one kilogram of suspected heroin, Mercer County authorities said.
MCPO officials stated Vargas was charged with multiple first-degree narcotic offenses.
The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain him pending trial, Mercer County officials say.
According to Prosecutor Marbrey, the total street value of the confiscated heroin is $32,000.