SOUTH RIVER – A patrolman recently made two drug-related arrests after observing suspicious activity near a borough park on William Street at 8:50 p.m. May 15.
Police charged Sean M. Wright, 18, of Perth Amboy, with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) with intent to use, possession of drug paraphernalia, loitering with the intent to obtain or sell CDS in public, and CDS-related prowling in public parks.
Police also charged 19-year-old Raul J. Almanzar with CDS-related prowling in public parks and possession of CDS with intent to use. He was transported to Perth Amboy for an outstanding warrant related to a contempt charge.
The arrests were made after Patrolman Alfonso Saucedo observed a vehicle that was parked illegally in front of the La Contina Del Pueblo bar on William Street. Wright, who was the driver, attempted to interact with several pedestrians in the area of the bar, according to police. Saucedo reportedly advised Wright to move his vehicle, and Wright complied. However, police said he returned a short time later and doubleparked in the area of William Street and Belmont Avenue. Saucedo again observed Wright interacting with pedestrians, and he drove away upon seeing the patrol car.
Saucedo conducted a check of Varga Park about five minutes later and noticed Wright, operating the same vehicle, stop in the middle of William Street. The front passenger exited the vehicle and entered a William Street property. Saucedo then conducted a motor vehicle stop of the vehicle, reportedly a rental car. The front passenger returned, and he and Wright consented to a search of the car’s interior, police said.
Saucedo, along with Patrolman Joseph Castellano, found two small scales that police believe were used for weighing narcotics and had cocaine residue on them.
The three suspects in the car, including Wright, Almanzar and a juvenile, were then arrested. The juvenile was released to the custody of a parent. The others were released on recognizance pending a future court date.