Essex County Sheriff's Bureau of Narcotics officers seized 1,313 grams of marijuana in a raid at a deli in Newark, where they arrested a 44-year-old Union man.
According to authorities, detective from the Essex County Sheriff's Bureau of Narcotics served a search warrant of Still Starvin deli, located at 277 West Kinney Street, following reports of drug dealing in the area.
"It's so important we take down these establishments, especially when they are so close to our schools," said Essex Sheriff Fontoura. "This arrest again proves we need the help of the public to identify drug dealers, and once we have that information we will act swiftly."
Officials say on the evening of Feb. 28th, detectives and members of the sheriff's tactical response team executed a search warrant and converged on the business, where Kendall Hill, 44, was seen through the store window. As police moved toward the store, Hill retreated and refused to open the door.
The tactical squad ultimately gained entry through a door fortified with dead bolts and two by fours.
Police say once inside officers found 1,313 grams of marijuana, some already packaged for sale, packaging paraphernalia and $610 in cash believed to be from the sale of the drugs.
Police charged Hill with possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was also charged with distributing near the schools and a public housing development, and fortification of the business.
The sheriff's bureau of narcotics has members from the sheriff's office, the Newark Police Department and Bloomfield Police Department.
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