Psychedelic Mushrooms, Pot Seized In Linden Drug Investigation

LINDEN, NJ — Three men were arrested by Linden police following a three-month narcotics investigation that culminated in September. Juan Tavarez, a 21-year-old Linden resident, and Erik Colon, a 22-year-old Perth Amboy resident, are charged with narcotics distribution after Linden police seized marijuana and psychedelic mushrooms.

The investigation began after local residents noticed suspicious activity and alerted police. Members of the Linden Police Department Narcotics Bureau, assisted by members of the Union County Prosecutor's Office Guns, Gangs, Drugs, and Violent Crimes Task Force and Roselle Police Department Narcotics Bureau executed a search warrant on the 500 block of W. Curtis St on September 28, 2017.

“This investigation, as well as many others before it, was initiated because concerned citizens played their
role in keeping their neighborhood safe by contacting the police. It is that relationship that allows us to keep our neighborhoods safe,” said Linden Police Chief Jonathan Parham.

Tavarez was charged with third-degree possession with intent to distribute marijuana and lesser charges

and released on a summons. Colon is charged with third-degree possession of Psilocybin (psychedelic
mushrooms) and lesser charges, as well as an additional third-degree charge for implicating another in a crime after he misidentified himself to investigating detectives. Colon was remanded to the Union County Jail
pending an appearance in Superior Court on October 13.

A third defendant, 21-year old Linden resident Kyle McCall, was issued a summons for possession of
marijuana and committed to the Union County Jail on an unrelated Burglary warrant.

Photos: Pictured at top is Juan Tavarez, followed by Erik Colon and Kyle McCall/Photos released by Linden police