Crime & Safety

Cops: 54 Bundles of Heroin Found Inside Vehicle

Wantage man faces drug charges following motor vehicle stop on Route 23 in Butler.

Police found 54 bundles of suspected heroin and other drug paraphernalia following a motor vehicle stop Monday night on Route 23, said Tuesday.

According to Capt. Ciro Chimento, Patrolman Jarred Schmiedhauser conducted the stop of a 2003 Ford Taurus that was being operated erratically and failing to maintain its lane on Route 23 North Monday night at about 11:30 p.m.

Schmiedhauser observed the driver, Marc T. Pouch, 25, and the passenger, James Frank, 22, both of Wantage, with signs of apparent drug use on each of their forearms, Chimento said.

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Schmiedhauser discovered a hypodermic syringe allegedly hidden inside the vehicle, Chimento said. Pouch was also found to be in possession of 54 bungles of suspected heroin, Chimento said.

Pouch was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of hypodermic needles, operating a vehicle while suspended, failing to maintain lane and improper maintenance lamps.

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Pouch was unable to post his $5,000 bail with no 10 percent option and was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a court appearance.

A records check revealed an outstanding warrant for Frank's arrest from the Wantage Municipal Court in the amount of $1,000, Chimento said.

Frank was turned over to the New Jersey State Police after failing to post bail.

Schmiedhauser was assisted in the arrests by Sgt. Scott Ricker and Patrolman Victor Scott.


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