Two local men face narcotics charges after police disrupted an alleged drug deal near the Hoboken Housing Authority, recovering a significant cache of heroin, crack cocaine, ecstasy and cash.
The arrests followed an ongoing investigation prompted by community complaints regarding illegal drug activity in the neighborhood.
The incident unfolded at approximately 9:45 p.m. on July 8, when Hoboken police spotted a man on the 300 block of Jackson Street. Officers observed the individual, later identified as 31-year-old Jacob Smith, of Hoboken, conducting what appeared to be an illegal drug transaction with someone inside a dark-colored vehicle.
Shortly after, police intercepted and stopped Smith on the 200 block of Adams Street. He was taken into custody after a search revealed him to be in possession of a controlled dangerous substance and drug paraphernalia.
A brief time later, police officers pulled over the vehicle involved in the initial transaction. The driver, identified as 45-year-old Warren Groomes of Hoboken, was immediately arrested.
A subsequent search of Groomes' vehicle yielded a substantial amount of suspected heroin, crack cocaine, and ecstasy, alongside drug paraphernalia and a folding knife. Officers also seized a large sum of cash believed to be profits from drug distribution.
Both men were taken to Hoboken Police Headquarters for processing before being booked into the Hudson County Correctional Facility.
Groomes faces multiple counts of narcotics distribution and possession, as well as a weapons offense. Smith was charged with possession of CDS and possession of drug paraphernalia.