Record Heroin Seizure In Salem County, NJ
SALEM, N.J. - -Carl J. Kotowski, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Division, Salem County Prosecutor John T. Lenahan and Pennsville Police Chief Allen Cummings announce the arrest of a North Carolina man and Salem County’s largest seizure of heroin ever. On April 28, 2016 at approximately 6:15 p.m., Adelfo Miranda-Daza, 27 of Greensboro, N.C. was arrested and charged with possession of controlled dangerous (heroin) and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a quantity of greater than five ounces with the intent to distribute.
During the investigation, officers encountered Miranda-Daza operating a Volkswagon Jetta and were able to seize approximately four kilos of heroin. Officials indicated that the drugs have an estimated value of $350,000 with a potential for producing nearly 400,000 individual bags which have a street value close to $2 million. Additionally, Miranda-Daza was found in possession of a substantial amount of currency which was seized along with the vehicle. Officials indicated that the heroin was destined for distribution throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Salem County Prosecutor John T. Lenahan said “this was a cooperative effort between Federal, County and local law enforcement with an outstanding result. We are hopeful that overdoses have been avoided and lives saved by the removal of heroin from our streets.”
Miranda-Daza was lodged in the Salem County Correctional Facility in default of $100,000 bail. An 18 year old female was also an occupant of the vehicle but was not charged and was released at the conclusion of the investigation.
Pennsville Police Chief Allen Cummings stated “to make an arrest like this and remove such a large amount of heroin from the streets is amazing. A large dent was put into a drug organization. Congratulations and great work to everyone involved.”
Carl J. Kotowski, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration's New Jersey Division said, "The amount of heroin seized in this investigation reinforces the fact that heroin has no boundaries. Heroin is being abused as much in the suburbs as it is in our urban areas. We will continue to pursue these violators to take this poison off the street."
The Drug Enforcement (DEA) New Jersey Division, Salem County Prosecutor’s Office Criminal Investigative Division, Pennsville Police Department and Passaic County Sheriff’s Office conducted the cooperative investigation.
