$2M In Heroin Seized In Paterson, Police Say

By Daniel Hubbard (Patch Staff)

Nine pounds of “pure heroin” worth $2 million was seized in Paterson Wednesday afternoon, authorities said.

The Paterson Police Department’s Narcotics Division conducted surveillance at the intersection of 31st Street, Market Street, and 21st Avenue, said Police Director Jerry Speziale.

Paterson resident Gabriel Mercado was arrested after Officer James DiPiazza and his K-9 partner Barry discovered the heroin after Mercado was stopped, Speziale said.

“This seizure is one of the largest seizures of heroin made by the Paterson Narcotics Division,” Speziale said.

Authorities said they believe the heroin was ”destined for a processing mill in the area.” They are continuing to investigate.

The arrest comes on the heels of the largest heroin seizure by Paterson Police Department in later October; 20 pounds of heroin and 44 pounds of cocaine were seized from a warehouse on River Street in conjunction with federal, state, and local authorities.