Mahwah Police: Rockland Man Sold Heroin Near Kids

MAHWAH, N.J. -- Mahwah police, tipped off by neighbors, arrested a Rockland County man who they said was selling heroin in a school zone near a store frequented by families and young children.

Benjamin Smalls III
Photo Credit: *MUGSHOT: Courtesy MAHWAH PD*

Jerry DeMarco

06/06/2016 3:40 p.m.

Detectives Michael Grassi and Eric Larsen on a stakeout moved in Friday afternoon after seeing Benjamin Smalls III, 31, of Valley Cottage sell to several people on Wanamaker Avenue, Police Chief James Batelli told Daily Voice.

While they grabbed the suspected buyers -- who were carrying 15 folds of heroin -- Detective Lt. Guido Bussinelli and Detective Sgt. Kevin Hebert seized Small, the chief said.

A search of a Mahwah home where Smalls was temporarily staying turned up more heroin, hypodermic needles and various drug paraphernalia, Batelli said.

Detectives also seized his vehicle, the chief said.

Smalls was being held on $100,000 bail in the Bergen County Jail, charged with various drug possession counts.

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