Mahwah Police Find Cocaine, Marijuana Hidden In Vehicle During Traffic Stop

MAHWAH, N.J. — Two Queens men were arrested Wednesday after police found marijuana and cocaine hidden in a Toyota 4 Runner that was stopped on Route 17.

Anthony Estevez, 27, and Albert Gonzalez, 25, "gave conflicting stories on their travels" and police smelled a "strong odor of marijuana" coming from the inside of the vehicle, said Chief James Batelli.

During a search of the vehicle police found a vacuumed-sealed bag with several smaller bags of what was thought to be marijuana in the back of the vehicle, along with several smaller clear baggies commonly used to package marijuana, Batelli said.

During the search, police saw that part of the trim and molding appeared to be loosened, the chief said, and Officer Chris Fasulo found a bag of cocaine inside an "empty void" in the driver's side door, Batelli said.

Estevez was charged with possession of marijuana under 50 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia, the chief said. Gonzalez was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana more than 50 grams, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a controlled dangerous substance schedule one substance and two motor vehicle summonses.

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Photos, from left: Albert Gonzalez and Anthony Estevez — Mahwah Police Department