Long Branch Police Seize $40,000 Worth Of Heroin From Paterson Man

The Long Branch Street Crimes Unit recently seized 5,359 decks of heroin with a street value of over $40,000 from a Paterson man, Public Safety Director Jason Roebuck said.

“This seizure is the largest that I can remember here for the last 20 years,” he said. ”They are to be commended for this and their continuing work.”

Street Crimes Unit detectives Joseph Spitale, Richard O’Brien and Nick Romano stopped Christopher “Choice” Schartz, 43, 11th Avenue, Paterson in his 2014 Kia Optima on Aug. 24. He was arrested and initially charged with possession of heroin, possession of cocaine, distribution of heroin, distribution of heroin within 500 feet of a park, distribution within 500 feet of federal housing and distribution within 1,000 feet of a school, Roebuck said.

Police also obtained a search warrant for Schartz’s car. They searched his vehicle on Aug. 26 and again charged him again with possession of heroin, possession of cocaine, first degree possession of heroin, distribution of heroin within 500 of a park, distribution within 500 feet of federal housing and distribution of within 1,000 feet of a school, Roebuck said.

His total bail was set at $280,000. Police also seized $753 in cash and his Kia Optima, Roebuck said.