Cranford police recently arrested two defendants for heroin possession and distribution after a routine traffic stop led to a subsequent investigation.

According to police, a patrolman stopped the vehicle on East North Avenue after he noticed that the passenger was not wearing a seat belt. Suspicious activity most likely led to search of the car which turned up approximately 50 bundles of suspected heroin inside the vehicle. Both defendants were arrested and processed by Cranford Police and subsequently released pending a court appearance.

Heroin possession, no matter how small the amount, is a third degree charge punishable by 3 – 5 years in state prison. These penalties can significantly increase if the charges involve allegations of heroin distribution. Since all heroin charges are indictable crimes, these cases are handled at the Union County Superior Court by the County Prosecutor’s Office.