4 Kilos Of Drugs Found During Paramus Traffic Stop: Prosecutor

PARAMUS, NJ — Authorities found 3 kilograms of heroin and 1 kilogram of cocaine hidden in a vehicle during a traffic stop in the borough Monday, acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced.

Candido Tomasini, 35, and Maribel Roman, 40, were arrested after they were stopped and authorities found the heroin, cocaine and $40,250 in cash in two secret, custom-built compartments inside their vehicle, Calo said. The drugs and money were found after Tomasini consented to a vehicle search.

The drugs had a street value of about $600,000, Calo said.

The stop was done as part of an investigation by authorities from the prosecutor's office and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's New York Drug Enforcement Task Force.

Authorities began the investigation after authorities received information that Tomasini and Roman were involved in the distribution of drugs in Bergen County, the acting prosecutor said.

Tomasini and Roman, both of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, were each charged with first-degree possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, specifically cocaine, and first-degree possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, specifically heroin, and third-degree money laundering.

"Thanks to a strong partnership, a significant amount of dangerous drugs and money have been seized," said New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II. "We will continue to work with our partners to bring these criminals to justice and make sure they get the message that this will not be tolerated."

Calo agreed.

"Bergen County will continue this cooperation and commitment with our law enforcement partners to make our streets safer and to protect our citizens," Calo said.

Email daniel.hubbard@patch.com. Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.

Photos: Candido Tomasini, 35, and Maribel Roman, 40/Bergen County Prosecutor's Office, background image via Shutterstock