Detectives setup surveillance in response to complaints about drug dealing
(File photo)
In response to complaints about drug dealing in the area, sheriff's narcotics officers conducted surveillance at Delavan Avenue and Romaine Place Thursday, according to Sheriff Armando Fontoura. With investigators watching, Rodney Burch, 23, and Christopher Ojeda, 22, showed up at the intersection and soon met two other men on bicycles, the sheriff added.
Burch and Ojeda exchanged items for cash with the two cyclists after a brief conversation, Fontoura said in a statement. Narcotics detectives moved to investigate and discovered the drugs.
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According to the sheriff, Burch had 67 vials of crack cocaine while Ojeda was arrested with 43 vials of the drug. Officers did not locate the two bikers.
Burch and Ojeda face charges, including possession of narcotics with the intent to distribute the drugs within 1,000 feet of Broadway Elementary School, authorities said. The pair were ordered held at the Essex County Correctional Facility in lieu of $100,000 bail.
Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.