Pair Caught With 1/4 Lb. Of Marijuana At Mahwah Apartments: Police

MAHWAH, NJ — Two people with "extensive criminal histories" related to narcotic activities were arrested after a police investigation at the Rolling Garden Apartment complex Wednesday, police said.

Detective Lt. Guido Bussinelli and Detective Eric Larsen were on a surveillance detail at the complex when they saw a 2006 Acura TL sedan pull into a parking space and neither of the occupants exited for a while, said Chief James Batelli.

Officer Tyler Boucher was called to the scene and spoke with George E. Thomas Cespedes, 25, and Shaina M. Harris, 21, both of Paterson; while speaking with them, Boucher smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle, Batelli said.

Authorities found one quarter of a pound of marijuana in a vacuumed-sealed bag and more than $2,000 in the sedan, the chief said.

Cespedes and Harris were arrested and taken to the Bergen County Jail, Batelli said. They were each charged with possession of marijuana in excess of 50 grams and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

Both Cespedes and Harris have "extensive criminal histories related to narcotics activities," Batelli said.

Police are trying to determine if Cespedes and Harris were meeting anybody at the complex and who.

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Photos: Shaina M. Harris, 21, and George E. Thomas Cespedes, 25/Mahwah Police Department