"JUST CALL CLEVES"      During the month of January 2005, the Union County Prosecutor's Office Narcotic Strike Force received information regarding a narcotics organization responsible for the distribution of kilogram quantities of heroin and cocaine over the past several years in the Union County area.      As a result of this information, an electronic surveillance investigation was conducted from January 2005 through May 2005. The investigation was initiated by Detective Justin Marranca of the Kenilworth Police Department who worked closely with Assistant Prosecutor JoAnn Miller. During the course of the investigation 54 Electronic Surveillances were conducted, skillfully installed and managed by Detective Michael Hoose of the Union County Prosecutor's Office.      Alex Cleves, a Colombian national and former Elizabeth resident was the alleged leader of this international organization. It smuggled nearly 10 kilograms per week into the Union County area to Christian F. Thillet, an Elizabeth resident who is Cleves' partner in the organization.      The organization utilized various methods, including human couriers, to smuggle multi-kilogram quantities of heroin directly from Colombia into the United States. Once in the States, the drugs made their way to Union County, where the heroin was sold to various wholesale distributors who traveled as from far as Camden, New Jersey and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The group laundered the proceeds from these sales back to Colombia via wire transfers and mules.      As a result of the investigation 22 individuals were arrested in Union, Essex and Camden Counties. Seized as a result of the investigation was nearly three and one-half kilograms of heroin, two kilograms of cocaine, eight firearms, several luxury vehicles (some concealing sophisticated traps), approximately $500,000 in United States currency, as well as bank records and numerous assets.      The NJNEOA congratulates Detectives Marranca and Hoose, Assistant Prosecutor Miller, along with the officers from the Union County Narcotics Strike Force on their dedication and perserverance in narcotic enforcement.