“A QUICK CO-OP”

On June 23, 2005 the Cedar Grove Township Police Department received information that an individual named Cardenas would be driving an old and beat-up 1989 silver Honda CRX with broken lights would be delivering a half ounce of cocaine into Cedar Grove by way of Ridge Road in about one hour. Both the target and the Honda are known by the officers to frequent areas involved in narcotics investigations.

After establishing surveillance of the Ridge Road area, Lt. Joseph Cirasa, Sgt. John Kennedy along with Officers Erik Hansson and Edward Colon stopped the vehicle for violations in the area of 612 Ridge Road. The officers noted that Cardenas’ cell phone was ringing frequently and asked him for his consent to search his vehicle and his person. He was advised that he did not have to allow the officers to search his vehicle/person. Cardenas agreed to the search and signed a consent-to-search form. Fourteen grams of cocaine was found on Cardenas’ person. A narcotics detecting police dog was requested to conduct a check of the vehicle as well.

Essex County Sheriff Detective David Machette and K-9 Princess arrived at the scene. Checks by K-9 Princess revealed a positive indication for narcotics by K-9 Princess on the out side of the vehicle and the drivers’ seat. The officers then asked for a consent-to-search for Cardenas’ home. Consent from both the target and his mother, the home owner was obtained and the above mentioned officers, along with Det. Sgt. Ivette Otero, Det. Michael Medina and Det. Anthony Degiglio of the Paterson Police Department conducted the consent-to-search. The search resulted in the seizure of 9.2 ounces of cocaine.

At Paterson PD headquarters Cardenas was charged with: Possession of excess of 5 ounces of cocaine, Possession with the intent to distribute, Possession with intent within 1000’ school #25 and Possession of paraphernalia./span>

Back at Cedar Grove PD Headquarters. Cardenas was charged with: Possession with the intent to distribute less then ½ ounce cocaine, Possession with intent within 1000’ LRP school, Possession of less then 1/2 ounces of cocaine, Maintenance of lamps, Obstructed view, Expired insurance card, and Possession of CDS in a motor vehicle.

The NJNEOA congratulated both the Cedar Grove and Paterson Police Departments, along with Sheriff’s Officer David Machette and K-9 Princess on an outstanding job.