Two men have been detained for selling heroin and crack cocaine at the Hoboken Housing Authority in response to tenant complaints, according to the city police department.
“These arrests are the direct result of concerns raised by residents and our continued commitment to addressing quality-of-life issues in our community,” Police Chief Steven Aguiar said in a statement.
“We will continue working closely with the community to investigate and disrupt illegal narcotics activity in Hoboken.”
The Hoboken Police Department’s Detective Bureau and Street Crimes Unit launched an investigation after neighbors and HHA administrators expressed concerns about potential illegal drugs distribution, drug usage, and trespassing in the area.
On May 1st, detectives observed a hand-to-hand narcotics transaction in the 500 block of Jackson Street and identified the vendor as Malik High, 31, of Hoboken.
He was charged with distributing a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) within 1,000 feet of a school zone and 500 feet of public housing.
High was arrested on May 27th and charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin after being discovered in possession of suspected CDS and monies thought to be proceeds from narcotics transactions.
Then, on May 5th, officers saw another suspected narcotics transaction in the 300 block of Jackson Street. A subsequent inquiry revealed Mario Cruz, 53, of Hoboken, as the supplier.
On May 7th, he was arrested and charged with distributing crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school zone and 500 feet of public housing.
During the investigation, three other people were arrested on drug possession charges: Joseph Rivera, 63, of Hoboken; Ricardo Hernandez, 47, of North Bergen; and Jacobo Guevara, 48, of Union City.
Authorities warned that additional charges could be filed as the investigations continue.
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