35 Heroin Bags Seized in Another Route 23 Bust

seized 35 bags of heroin during a drug arrest Sunday, marking the third bust involving a large quantity of suspected heroin on Route 23 this summer.

Butler police charged brothers Gregory Nemecek, 27, of Wantage, and Joseph Nemecek, 30, of Stockholm, with possession of controlled dangerous substances, possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possesion of a hypodermic needle.

Butler police said Ptl. Jarred Schmiedhauser stopped the green Ford pickup truck Gregory Nemecek was driving on Route 23 North at about 11:50 p.m. for allegedly swerving between lanes.

In speaking to Nemecek, police said Schmiedhauser noticed fresh injuries on Nemecek's arms consistent with drug use and noticed similar injuries on passenger Joseph Nemecek's arms as well. Police said Schmiedhauser also noticed a large bulge hidden under Gregory Nemecek's waistband and later discovered the 35 bags of suspected heroin.

Police said they also found a small glass smoking pipe containing crack residue and a small glass smoking pipe containing marijuana residue during the investigation. Two hypodermic needles were also allegedly found in the Nemeceks' waistbands.

Both were arrested and transported to the Butler police station. In addition to the drug charges, Gregory Nemecek was charged with operating a motor vehicle in possession of controlled dangerous substances, failure to maintain a lane and failure to inspect his vehicle.

Both Nemeceks were released in their own recognizance with dates to appear in Morris County Superior Court. Sgt. Michael Moeller assisted with the arrest.

On July 31, Butler police during the arrest of three men on Route 23 North. On July 24, Kinnelon police during an arrest of two men on Route 23.