Saddle Brook Man Waiting To Conduct Ecstasy Drug Deal Arrested

SADDLE BROOK, NJ — A man in possession of one quarter of a pound of marijuana and Ecstasy was arrested after authorities found him waiting to conduct a drug deal in the Home Depot parking lot on Route 17 in Mahwah, police announced Thursday.

The arrest was the result of a narcotics distribution investigation by the township police department's patrol division and detective bureau, said Mahwah Police Chief James Batelli.

Guzman planned to meet a buyer in the parking lot when police arrested him; he had in his possession about one quarter of a pound of marijuana, about 3.5 grams of Ecstasy, a digital scale, and other paraphernalia, Batelli said.

Ecstasy, also known as "Molly," "is an extremely dangerous drug that has grown in popularity," Batelli said, "that has resulted in deaths across the country."

Guzman was charged with possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana, two counts of possession with intent to distribute , and possession of drug paraphernalia, Batelli said.

While police were interviewing and arresting Guzman, Maria Halaby, became belligerent and uncooperative with police after instructed to remain in a specific area, police said. She was charged with obstruction of a governmental function.

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Photo: Gabriel Guzman — Mahwah Police Department