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Sgt. Vasili Pieratos and Sgt. Michael Parise were on patrol near the Kentucky Fried Chicken on the southbound highway when they stopped the silver 2012 Nissan just after 11 p.m., Police Chief Bryan Gurney said.
Besides the phones and fresheners, the sergeants noticed that both the driver, identified as 32-year-old Francisco A. Pena (above, left) and his passenger, James P. Lopez-Lora (above, right), also 32, “appeared to be extremely nervous,” Gurney said.
A search turned up the bags of MDMA crystals and the bricks of heroin, packaged in 150 glassine bags, the chief said.
Both men were being held on $100,000 bail each in the Bergen County Jail, charged with possession with intent to distribute both drugs.
Pena also received summonses for speeding, careless driving, possession of drugs in a motor vehicle, improper display of license plates and failing to wear a seat belt.
Both were given April 22 first appearance dates in Ramsey Municipal Court.
MUGSHOTS: Courtesy BERGEN COUNTY SHERIFF
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