Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief Paul Philipps of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department announce the arrest of two interstate drug traffickers and the seizure of over 1000 grams (one kilogram) of cocaine.
On November 9, 2015, members of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department received information that a group of individuals were importing illegal narcotics into Morris County from New York State.
Narcotics Task Force Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Office and Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department intercepted this drug distribution duo as they traveled on State Highway 46 in the Parsippany area.
Following the vehicle stop, the drugs were located and seized from a concealed compartment in the vehicle, more commonly referred to as a “trap.” The two individuals were placed under arrest and charged. Police also seized this vehicle, containing themanufactured trap, which will be subject to a civil forfeiture action.
The wholesale street value of the seized kilogram of cocaine is approximately $36,000.
The following individuals were charged:
• Juan E. Liranzo, 31, from Bayside, New York
• Lia J. Cespedes, 26, from Forest Hills, New York
Both Liranzo and Cespedes were charged with the following:
• One (1) count of first-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine).
• One (1) count of second-degree Conspiracy to Possessa Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine).
• One (1) count of third-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine)
The Honorable David Ironson, J.S.C. set bail for both Liranzo and Cespedes at $250,000, no 10% option, with bail source hearing condition imposed.
Both individuals were lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in default of bail.