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Hoboken Police Arrest Two Following Heroin, Crack Cocaine Sales Investigation
The Hoboken Police Department announced the arrest of two individuals on illegal narcotics distribution charges following an investigation into alleged drug activity within the Hoboken Housing Authority.
The investigation, conducted by the Hoboken Police Department’s Detective Bureau and Street Crimes Unit, began after residents and Hoboken Housing Authority administrators reported concerns about suspected illegal narcotics distribution, drug use, and trespassing in the area.
On May 1, detectives observed a hand-to-hand narcotics transaction on the 500 block of Jackson Street and identified the seller as 31-year-old Malik High of Hoboken, according to police. High was arrested on May 27 and charged with distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, distribution within 1,000 feet of a school zone, and distribution within 500 feet of public housing. He was additionally charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin after he was found in possession of suspected drugs and currency believed to be proceeds from narcotics sales.
On May 5, detectives observed another suspected narcotics transaction on the 300 block of Jackson Street. A follow up investigation identified 53-year-old Mario Cruz of Hoboken as the seller. Cruz was arrested on May 7 and charged with distribution of crack cocaine, distribution within 1,000 feet of a school zone, and distribution within 500 feet of public housing.
Three additional individuals, identified as 63-year-old Joseph Rivera of Hoboken, 47-year-old Ricardo Hernandez of North Bergen, and 48-year-old Jacobo Guevara of Union City, were also arrested during the investigations on drug possession charges.
“These arrests are the direct result of concerns raised by residents and our continued commitment to addressing quality-of-life issues in our community,” Hoboken Police Chief Steven Aguiar said. “We will continue working closely with the community to investigate and disrupt illegal narcotics activity in Hoboken.”
Additional charges may be filed as the investigations continue. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
