A city man was arraigned today on multiple narcotics charges following his arrest last night by Essex County sheriff’s officers.
Sheriff Armando stated that officers from his department’s Patrol Division were conducting quality of life operations on Monday evening when they ran a routine computer license plate check on a 2003 Chevrolet van as it drove past their marked cruiser on Jones Street.
When the van’s temporary tag was found to fictitious the suspect vehicle was pulled over at the intersection of 15th Avenue and Hayes Street.
“As our officers approached the van they immediately detected the odor of burnt marijuana emanating from the vehicle,” Sheriff Fontoura noted. “A partially smoked marijuana cigarette was observed on the driver’s floor board next to the gas pedal"
The suspect who could not produce a driver’s license was ordered out of the car. He identified himself as Terrence Bradley, 34, of Newark.
“A subsequent criminal background check on Bradley revealed that he was the subject of an open warrant issued by the Newark municipal court and he was placed under arrest,” Fontoura added. “Inside the van our officers also observed an open shoe box that contained a large number of glass vials, a digital scale and other narcotics packaging materials. They also recovered two plastic bags that contained 171 grams of ‘crack’ cocaine and additional packaging materials.”
The estimated street value of the drugs is in excess of $8,500.
Bradley was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of CDS with intent to distribute, possession of CDS with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of Horizon Community Charter School, possession of CDS with intent to distribute within 500 feet of the Springfield Avenue Public Library and possession of narcotics paraphernalia.
The suspect was also issued summonses for fictitious license plates, unlicensed driving, possession of CDS in a motor vehicle and possession of CDS (marijuana).
At today’s arraignment, Bradley was ordered held at the Essex County jail in lieu of $75,000 cash bond only.