3 Arrested, 2,000 Heroin Folds Seized In Howell Busts

HOWELL, NJ — Three people were arrested and nearly 2,000 doses of heroin seized in a pair of incidents on Thursday, Howell police said.

"Since Jan. 1, Howell police officers have collectively removed nearly 3,000 folds of heroin from our streets and those responsible for it," Police Chief Andrew Kudrick Jr. said, "3000 doses of this evil that has plagued our communities for many years now."

In the first incident, Patrolman Brett Kyle pulled over a car in the Ramtown section that had been reported to be driving erratically. He asked for a K-9 team and Sgt. Nicholas Bondarew and K-9 Vito arrived.

A positive indication from K-9 Vito and a search turned up 900 wax folds of suspected heroin, along with crack cocaine, marijuana and prescription medications.

The driver, Arnold Gainey, 59, of Jersey City, was charged with possession and intent to distribute, along with weapons charges for a 9mm handgun loaded with hollow-point ammunition, Kudrick said.

The passenger, Ryan Chapman, 38, of Howell, was arrested and charged with possession of suspected heroin and possession of marijuana.

A few hours later, officers from the Crime Suppression Unit arrested Jabari Alvaranga, 25, of Trenton, on charges of possession and distribution of heroin, police said. Nearly 1,000 wax folds of suspected heroin were seized in the arrest, police said.

Alvaranga had come from Trenton to sell to who he believed was an addict, but the person was an undercover police officer, authorities said.

All three men were taken to the Monmouth County jail to await detention hearings.

In addition to the drugs and the handgun, police seized what Kudrick said was a significant amount of cash and their vehicles.

"We will continue to go after those who are responsible for distributing this poison while assisting those who are addicted," Kudrick said. "Last week we had two residents die from overdoses. As a result of these arrests, my officers prevented another family from having to grieve."

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