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New Milford PD: Knives, Crack Found During Stop, Passaic County Couple Busted

A New Milford police stop turned up knives, crack and outstanding warrants on both the driver and passenger, authorities said.

Benjamin Quirindongo, Maria Mezerenez

Benjamin Quirindongo, Maria Mezerenez

Photo Credit: NEW MILFORD PD
The confiscated knives.

The confiscated knives.

Photo Credit: NEW MILFORD PD

Offficer Nick Williams and backup Officer Andy Lignos found the warrants on the Passaic County couple -- Maria Mezerenez, 35, and her passenger, ex-con Benjamin Quirindongo, 38, during the late-night Saturday stop, Police Chief Brian Clancy said.

They also found crack and drug paraphernalia in plain view, along with an 8-inch serrated knife, a 3½-inch shank and a box cutter, all of which were "immediately reachable" under the driver's seat, the chief said.

Quirindongo, who was carrying more crack, was sent to the Bergen County Jail to await a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court on drug and weapons charges, Clancy said.

Passaic County sheriff's officers took custody of Mezerenez, he said.

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