Cops: Trio Had Warrants, Illegal Prescription Drugs in Traffic Stop

A trio of Essex County residents were arrested Monday after a routine traffic stop yielded outstanding warrants and illegal prescription drugs in Washington Township, Lt. Doug Compton said.

At 3:32 p.m. Officer Derek Heymer stopped a car on East Avenue for a motor vehicle violation, Compton said. While speaking with the driver, Luis Alers, 28, of Newark, it was determined his license was suspended and had two active warrants for his arrest, Compton said.

At the same time, Heymer smelled the odor of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle and requested a consent search of the car, which Alers agreed to, Compton said.

Further investigation revealed the front seat passenger, Sean Mack, 38, of Irvington, had a NCIC warrant issued out of Maryland, and was also allegedly in possession of Alprazolam, a schedule IV narcotic, as well as drug paraphernalia, Compton said.

A second passenger, identified as Dorene Thomas, 34, of Newark, was found to be in possession of OxyContin, a schedule II narcotic, as well as drug paraphernalia, Compton said.

All three were arrested and taken to Washington Township Police Headquarters, where Alers was issued traffic complaints for maintenance of lamps along with driving with a suspended license and was later released.

Thomas was issued criminal complaints for possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia and later released with a court date.

Mack was issued criminal complaints for possession of controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia and released with a court date.