2018 News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 19, 2018

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Public Information Bureau (609) 882-2000
Major Brian Polite - ext. 6514
Lt. Theodore Schafer - ext. 6515
SFC Jeff Flynn - ext. 6516
Sgt. Lawrence Peele - ext. 6531
Tpr. Alejandro Goez - ext. 6527
Tpr. Gene Hong - ext. 6532


State Police Arrest Fugitive and Dismantle Heroin Packaging Facility

Investigation Nets More than $230,000 of Drugs

Passaic, N.J. - The New Jersey State Police have arrested Edwin Acosta, 35, of Paterson, N.J., for allegedly operating a large-scale heroin packaging facility in Clifton, N.J., Passaic County.   

During a four-month investigation, State Police detectives determined that Acosta was involved with drug trafficking within Passaic County, specifically the cities of Paterson and Clifton.  On Monday, November 6, detectives observed Acosta leaving a suspected heroin packaging facility, located at 193 Christie Avenue in Clifton.  Troopers attempted to stop Acosta as he drove westbound on Interstate 80 in Paterson, but he refused and began to accelerate.  Due to safety concerns, troopers stopped pursuing him.

Later that day, detectives from the NJSP Trafficking North Unit along with members of the New Jersey Drug Enforcement Administration and High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area-Group 4 conducted a search of the residence on Christie Avenue, which revealed a large-scale heroin packaging facility containing heroin milling equipment and heroin packaging materials.  As a result of the search, detectives seized approximately 2,100 grams of heroin, 39 grams of fentanyl and 6,750 decks of packaged heroin.  The seized drugs have an estimated street value of $239,400.

On Tuesday, January 9, with the assistance of the NJSP Fugitive Task Force, the Trafficking North Unit located Edwin Acosta in a basement apartment at 11 Meade Avenue in Passaic, NJ where he was arrested without incident.

Edwin Acosta was charged with possession of heroin, possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, maintaining a manufacturing facility, conspiracy to distribute, possession of paraphernalia and eluding.  Acosta was lodged at the Passaic County pending a bail hearing.

This case is being prosecuted by the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice.

Charges are mere accusations and the suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Photo of Edwin Acosta

Edwin Acosta

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