Narcotics investigation results in arrest and seizure of five ounces of methamphetamine in Somerset County
RARITAN BOROUGH, NJ (Somerset County) – An Essex County man has been arrested in relation to a narcotics investigation in Somerset County, according to Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald.
On Tuesday, Jan. 23, at around 5:30 p.m., members of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force along with members of the Bridgewater Police Department were concluding a narcotics investigation in the area Somerset Corporate Blvd. in Bridgewater Township, McDonald said.
Information was received that Clemente Lozano, 63, of Belleville Township, who was known to the Task Force members from prior narcotics investigations, would be arriving in the area operating a black Lexus sedan. Further information was received that Lozano would be in possession of a quantity of methamphetamine, McDonald said.
As a result of receiving this information, Task Force members along with members of the Bridgewater Township Police Department established surveillance in the immediate area. After establishing surveillance, Task Force members observed a black Lexus occupied by Lozano travelling south on Route 202/206, McDonald said.
At this time, Task Force members initiated a motor vehicle stop on Route 206 near Bell Avenue in Raritan Borough. As a result of this investigation, Task Force members located and seized approximately five ounces of methamphetamine, McDonald said.
The methamphetamine seized from defendant Lozano resulting from this investigation has an estimated street value of $14,200, McDonald said.
Lozano was arrested and charged with first-degree possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. He was then lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing, McDonald said.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force at 908-231-7100, the Raritan Borough Police at 908-725-6700 or via the STOPit app.
The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.
