Weekend Arrests Show 'Ease' Of Obtaining Drugs, Police Say
Three motor vehicle stops in Mahwah over the weekend led to six people being charged with drug and alcohol related crimes
Three motor vehicle stops over the weekend resulted in six people being charged with drug and alcohol-related crimes, Mahwah police said Monday. These arrests, combined with a recent string of similar arrests in the township, highlight the “ease of obtaining [drugs] in our community," Police Chief James Batelli said.
Two 19-year-olds, one from Ramsey and one from Topsfield, Massachusetts, were pulled over at about 2:30 a.m. Sunday after Mahwah Officer Sean Hayes observed their car swerving on Wyckoff Ave., police said. The Ramsey driver was charged with possession of Adderall, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle, and both were charged with possession of alcohol under the legal age, Batelli said. An investigation is ongoing into this incident, police said.
Colby Shaw, 27, of Pittsfield, Vermont was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle after being pulled over for an “equipment violation,” while driving on Route 17 Saturday night, Batelli said. Officer Hayes allegedly “observed what appeared to be items commonly associated with heroin usage,” in Shaw’s car, Batelli said. Marijuana, glass pipes and an “unidentified liquid in a clear unlabeled container,” were also allegedly found in the vehicle, Batelli said. Shaw was released on his own recognizance and has a future court date in Mahwah.
These two incidents came after a drug-related arrest of three New York men who were originally pulled over for careless driving on Route 17 South Friday night, police said. Sean Talarino, 21, of Schaghticoke, Jacob Baker, 18, and Jesse D. Baker, 21, both of Clifton Park were charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia after Mahwah Officer Eric Larsen allegedly found bagged marijuana and blunts in their car, Batelli said.
According to the Police Chief, the recent string of similar arrests is cause for concern. “The continued series of arrests for drugs ranging from heroin, ecstasy, marijuana, cocaine, and prescription medication indicate the increasing need for diligence by law enforcement to address the prevalence and ease of obtaining these types of narcotics in our community,” he said.
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Jonathan N. Marcus, Esq.
3:56 pm on Monday, July 23, 2012
Who smiles for a mug shot? You would think the fool is getting his picture taken for the yearbook or something.
Andy Schmidt
1:30 pm on Tuesday, July 24, 2012
My thoughts too. Too dumb to even realize they're on the bottom of society.
Everytime I read that a police officers notices a swerving car makes me cringe. I'm one of those people on bikes who can quickly be on the receiving end of someone who should have his driving privileges revoked for a few years.
There is no good reason for kids to have a license and a car. Let them figure out how to use public transportation for a few years, take the bus to school or have wealthy parents pay for their daily taxis instead of a T-Bird. After a a few years, they'll TREASURE their license and will make darn sure that they won't risk losing it again...
Better than being allowed back on the road, doing what they are doing, until someone gets hurt (like the poor lady who was killed on 17 last year).
Hank
7:31 am on Tuesday, July 24, 2012
good drugs
Hank
4:05 pm on Tuesday, July 24, 2012
They should ban all bikes during rush hour 4-6pm on Shadyside, Youngs Rd.,Rt 202,.Pulis Ave (especially in Franklin Lakes) Darlington, Wykoff ave, Franklin Tpk....thank you
myrents2damnhigh
8:43 am on Tuesday, July 24, 2012
It happens every summer. Kids are out of school and looking for thrills. Drug dealers know this and peddle the junk to these kids who are often wealthy with spending cash on hand. Mahwah is probably a good market for drug dealers. Parents should keep their eyes open and closely monitor their kids.
Sam
9:48 am on Tuesday, July 24, 2012
for myrents2damnhigh
did not notice where any of the people stopped were from Mahwah..........
they were stopped by alert Mahwah Police
Not a fan
10:23 pm on Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Hmmm
Not a fan
10:27 pm on Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Mahwah cops pull over anyone and everyone when they get into one of their Rambo modes. I was pulled over a few years ago because I had a tail light on and the two arrogant cops carried on and insisted that I had been drinking, which I HAD HOT been. They gave me the field tests and guess what, I passed everything. They of course did this in my driveway so all of my neighbors could see. Nice way to treat a resident. I also noticed they are a bunch of juiced up tattoo covered skin heads who think they are better than everyone else. I say CUT the department and combine it with the surrounding towns ( like Wykcoff and Ramsey where the police are all gentlemen and respectful)
Deb
4:32 am on Sunday, July 29, 2012
Why does mahwah seem to have so many drug offenses if it's such a wonderful town or is it all a set up by police
Deb
4:33 am on Sunday, July 29, 2012
That town will do anything to make themselves look good
Deb
4:33 am on Sunday, July 29, 2012
They themselves are no angels
Deb
4:44 am on Sunday, July 29, 2012
I was approached at my job as they insisted I was doing drugs showed them my arms to prove they then conducted a search of my vehicle which I disagreed to arrested me went to Hq did some field tests in thier staff bathroom stating I failed everyone wrote me DWI b4 breathalyzer which I was under legal limit and passed
Yet everything from the stop to even in holding area has no video to prove..... HMMM why would that be....
Thanks officers for serving and protecting
I'm sure that's not what is thought in the academy on how an officer is supposed to perform their duties or go back to school (oh yea 1 day training courses certify you as experts in everything)
Deb
4:47 am on Sunday, July 29, 2012
Jonathan:
Atleast your smiling
Don't let anyone get u down especially not liar cops
Deb
5:19 am on Sunday, July 29, 2012
Also police luitenent who is getting paid to serve and protect went home to sleep on his shift instead that's why mahwah taxes are so high so the officers can sleep well
Wow what a great job