Nutley Residents Among Essex County Cops Commended For Fighting Drug War

NUTLEY, NJ — The Essex County Sheriff’s Office recently commended its Bureau of Narcotics department – including two Nutley residents – during Police Week ceremonies at the Veteran’s Courthouse in Newark.

On Wednesday, captain Vito D'Alessio and undersheriff Kevin Ryan, both Nutley residents, accepted a unit citation for their “outstanding performance” during the past year.

According to a sheriff’s department news release, its Bureau of Narcotics confiscates $1 million in illegal drugs and prescription medicines and “scores” of high-powered semi-automatic handguns every year.

According to the Essex County Sheriff’s Office website:

“The Bureau of Narcotics was created to be the forefront of county law enforcement’s efforts to combat the illicit narcotics trade by identifying, investigating and apprehending violators of the state’s narcotic laws, whose actions adversely affect the quality of life of the citizens of Essex County and are directly related to increase in violent crime. In addition, the Bureau of Narcotics has always provided assistance to all local police departments in their ongoing war on drugs.

“Responding to community complaints regarding drug trafficking, the Bureau of Narcotics annually conducts undercover ‘buy and bust’ and surveillance operations throughout Essex County. Many of these operations are augmented and supported by skilled teams of narcotics-detecting K-9’s and their handlers.

“Detectives from the Bureau of Narcotics regularly train officers from municipal police departments in undercover drug operations and surveillance.”

• See related article: N.J. Father, Son Arrested During Drug Bust At Newark Bodega
• See related article: Drug Bust At Essex County Tow Lot: 14,300 Heroin Envelopes Seized
• See related article: Essex County Cops Seize $250K Of Narcotics From Alleged Latin King

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photo: Essex County Sheriff’s Office