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Handgun, Heroin Seized By Howell Police

Three people were arrested and nearly 2,000 doses of heroin seized in a pair of incidents,  Howell police said.

Drugs and a handgun were seized by Howell police.

Drugs and a handgun were seized by Howell police.

Photo Credit: Daily Voice file

In the first incident, Howell Patrolman Brett Kyle pulled over a car in the Ramtown section that had been reported as driving erratically. He asked for a K-9 team and Sgt. Nicholas Bondarew and K-9 Vito arrived.

A positive indication from K-9 Vito and a search turned up 900 wax folds of suspected heroin, along with crack cocaine, marijuana and prescription medications, police said.

The driver, Arnold Gainey, 59, of Jersey City, was charged with possession and intent to distribute, along with weapons charges for possessing a 9mm handgun loaded with hollow-point ammunition, police said.

His passenger, Ryan Chapman, 38, of Howell, was arrested and charged with possession of suspected heroin and possession of marijuana.

A few hours later, officers from Howell's Crime Suppression Unit arrested Jabari Alvaranga, 25, of Trenton, on charges of possession and distribution of heroin, police said. Nearly 1,000 wax folds of suspected heroin were seized in that arrest, police said.

Alvaranga had driven to Howell from Trenton to sell to what he thought was a drug addict. But the "addict" turned out to be an undercover police officer.

All three suspects were taken to the Monmouth County jail to await detention hearings.

In addition to the drugs and the handgun, police seized a significant amount of cash and their vehicles.

"We will continue to go after those who are responsible for distributing this poison while assisting those who are addicted," Police Chief Andrew Kudrick Jr. said. "Last week we had two residents die from overdoses. As a result of these arrests, my officers prevented another family from having to grieve."

"Since Jan. 1, Howell police officers have collectively removed nearly 3,000 folds of heroin from our streets and those responsible for it,"  Kudrick. said, 

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