Summit, Hasbrouck Heights Men Arrested After Police Seize Approximately $26k in Drugs

Hasbrouck Heights New Jersey

Bergen County Prosecutor John L. Molinelli announced the arrests of Jose L. Vazquez and Steve Lebron on drug possession charges. Vazquez was charged with possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana. Lebron was charged with possession of Crystal Methamphetamine. These arrests are the result of a three-month investigation conducted by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Narcotic Task Force. On Wednesday, February 11, members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotic Task Force and Hasbrouck Heights Police Department were conducting surveillance of Vazquez’s residence located in Hasbrouck Heights. At approximately 7:40 p.m., Lebron was observed arriving at the residence of Vazquez. A short time later, Lebron was observed leaving the residence, at which time, an investigative motor vehicle stop of the vehicle in which Lebron was a passenger was conducted. During the investigative stop, Lebron was found to be in possession of approximately $8,000.00 in cash. A subsequent search of the vehicle was then conducted and several grams of suspected Crystal Methamphetamine were recovered. Lebron was placed under arrest without incident and transported to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office for processing. The United States currency possessed by Lebron was seized pending civil forfeiture. Later that day, members of the Narcotics Task Force, Hasbrouck Heights Police Department and BergenCounty Sheriff’s Department proceeded to the residence Vazquez. During a subsequent search of this residence, approximately 350 grams of suspected cocaine, one and one-half (1½) pounds of suspected marijuana, a large quantity of suspected anabolic steroids and approximately $30,000.00 cash were located and seized. At that time, Vazquez was placed under arrest without incident and transported to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office for processing. The estimated street value of the crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and anabolic steroids seized is estimated at approximately $26,000.00. Lebron was charged with possession of crystal methamphetamine in a quantity less than one-half (1/2) ounce.After being processed for arrest, Lebron was released on his own recognizance pending a first appearance at the Bergen County Central Municipal Court on February 17, for arraignment. Vazquez was charged with possession with the intent to distribute cocaine in a quantity greater than five ounces, possession with the intent to distribute marijuana in a quantity greater than one ounce, but less than five pounds. Bail for Vazquez was set by the Honorable James J. Guida, J.S.C. at $75,000 with no ten percent cash option. He was remanded to the Bergen County Jail in lieu of bail. This investigation is continuing and additional charges may be pursued at the Grand Jury proceeding.