Newark Cops Find Huge Stash Of Heroin, Cocaine In Man's 'Hidden Compartment'

NEWARK, NJ — Authorities arrested a Newark man Wednesday after allegedly finding 25 kilograms of heroin and eight kilograms of cocaine hidden in a “hidden compartment” in his apartment, police said.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, law enforcement officers arrested Wilfredo Rodriguez Escobar, 52, at his Newark apartment. During a search, officers located a secret compartment which contained the large cache of heroin and cocaine, $300,000 in cash and a firearm.

Authorities charged Escobar with possession of illegal narcotics with intent to distribute, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

He appeared on Thursday in Newark federal court and was detained without bail.

The drug charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life, and a $10 million fine, prosecutors said.

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