Original article at: http://www.nj.com/salem/index.ssf/2014/09/169000_in_methamphetamines_seized_from_truck_driver_in_pennsville.html
By
JUAN MARTINEZ-FIGUEROA
Police thwarted a major local delivery of methamphetamine in one of the largest seizures in county history Tuesday night, authorities said
The approximately six kilos of methamphetamine has an estimated street value of $169,000.
The arrest was announced Wednesday by Salem County Prosecutor John T. Lenahan and Pennsville Police Chief Allen J. Cummings.
Juan Martinez-Figueroa, also known as Rudy A. Figueroa-Alvarado, 33, of Madras, Oregon, was arrested and charged with possession of controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine) and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a quantity of greater than five ounces with the intent to distribute.
Authorities said Pennsville police and Salem County Prosecutor’s Office, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration Camden Resident Office, received information that a large quantity of methamphetamine was to be delivered Tuesday night to a buyer at a spot on North Broadway in Pennsville Township.
Police were conducting surveillance when they saw Martinez-Figueroa driving a 2008 Freightliner tractor trailer at a commercial parking lot on North Broadway.
Authorities moved in, arrested Martinez-Figueroa and seized the methamphetamine, a total of approximately six kilos worth.
During the arrest police also seized Martinez-Figueroa’s truck. Authorities said he was a licensed truck driver, but was not on a delivery at the time of his arrest.
“This investigation by local, county and federal officers is a clear example of the success law enforcement can have when working collectively. It not only has an impact in Salem County but throughout the entire region,” said Lenahan.”
“This was an outstanding investigation by all agencies,” Cummings said. “A large quantity of (drugs) has been removed from the streets.”
Authorities say it was one of the largest seizures ever of methamphetamine in Salem County.
“This investigation resulted in a very significant seizure of narcotics,” said Carl J. Kotowski, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Division stated. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to keep this poison out of our communities.”
Martinez-Figueroa is being held in the Salem County Correctional Facility, Mannington Township, on $250,000 cash bail.