In early May, a 31-year-old New Jersey man was arrested for allegedly selling drugs in the Paterson area. Authorities also seized a large amount of illicit drugs during the operation.

The investigations began after the Paterson Police Department received a tip in April that drug deals were occurring around East 13th Street and East 15th Street. Officers responded to the scene and allegedly observed the defendant making multiple hand-to-hand drug sales around East 15th Street. On May 6, detectives started surveilling the area outside 48 East 13th Street and allegedly observed him making two separate drug transactions between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. The recipients of the drugs, identified as a 36-year-old man from New Rochelle, N.Y., and a 54-year-old Paterson woman, were later taken into custody and found to be holding narcotics and drug paraphernalia.

Based on the results of the investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant and arrested the defendant near 62 4th Avenue at around 6:10 p.m. They searched his person and property and reportedly found 3,491 packets of heroin, seven pounds of marijuana and 34 grams of crack cocaine. They also seized $8,596 in cash and a loaded handgun. A 30-year-old woman who was with the defendant was also taken into custody.

Depending on the details of the case, individuals facing drug charges might be able to successfully fight the accusations with the help of a criminal defense attorney. For example, if law enforcement officers violated a defendant's constitutional rights during the search and seizure process, the evidence could be deemed inadmissible, causing the case to be thrown out of court. Even if the evidence appears solid, the attorney might be able to negotiate a plea deal that significantly reduces the charges in exchange for the defendant's guilty plea.