By: Richard L. Smith
A routine traffic stop in Guttenberg led to the seizure of nearly 17,000 suspected fentanyl pills and the arrest of a Pennsylvania man, according to information sent by the Guttenberg Police Department.
Authorities said detectives assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Unit were patrolling the area of John F. Kennedy Boulevard East and 69th Street shortly after noon on July 22 when they observed a white 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross make an improper U-turn in the middle of an intersection.
After stopping the vehicle, detectives identified the driver as Luis A. Valerio-Vargas, 65, of Allentown, Pennsylvania.
During the investigation, Valerio-Vargas told officers he worked in plumbing and construction and had traveled from Pennsylvania to pick up an individual near the Galaxy Towers before heading to a job site in the area of Bergenline Avenue.
Detectives requested assistance from the North Bergen Police Department’s K-9 Unit. Police said K-9 Rex conducted a free-air sniff around the vehicle and alerted officers to the possible presence of narcotics.
A subsequent search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered approximately 17,000 blue pills believed to contain fentanyl.
Valerio-Vargas was taken into custody and transported to the Guttenberg Police Department, where he was processed.
He faces multiple drug-related charges, including possession with intent to distribute, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of counterfeit drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He was also issued several motor vehicle summonses related to the traffic stop.
The investigation remains ongoing.