September 24, 2002
Trenton,
NJ-
Mercer County Prosecutor Daniel G. Giaquinto today announced that his Special
Investigations Unit (SIU), under the command of Lt. Al Paglione, shut down a
large scale, full-service heroin operation operating from the 200 block of
Locust Street in Trenton culminating a two (2) month investigation.
According to Prosecutor
Giaquinto, his office received numerous citizens’ complaints from the
residents of Locust Avenue concerning the open-air distribution of cocaine and
heroin. During the course of the
investigation, the SIU was able to infiltrate the heroin manufacturing and
distribution operation of Julio Aviles, age 33, of the 200 block of Locust
Street in Trenton. As a result of
the investigation, search warrants were obtained for Aviles and his residence. The search warrants were executed yesterday afternoon by the
SIU, assisted by the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, Washington
Township Police Department and the Trenton Police Department.
“The success of this investigation is based on the
community-law enforcement partnership which we and local police have worked so
hard in establishing,” Giaquinto said.
Officers seized 53
“bundles” (530 decks) of heroin from a refrigerator in Aviles’ home along
with another 2 ounces of raw heroin from the basement.
Lt. Paglione indicated that the basement was set-up as a heroin
production facility with officers also seizing packaging materials, heroin
production tools, a “Scorpion” stamp, a quantity of Manite (a cutting agent
used in the production of heroin), glassine bags and a heat sealer.
Also seized was $1,015 in cash.
The street value of the
heroin is $16,500.
“We are seeing a trend
that local heroin dealers are now becoming full-service operations.
Previously, heroin was sold pre-packaged.
Now, the heroin dealers are buying raw heroin and doing their own cutting
of heroin as well as their own packaging”, said Paglione.
According to Paglione, the dealers are taking these steps to increase
their profits.
Prosecutor Giaquinto
indicated that Julio Aviles was charged with possession of a controlled
dangerous substance (c.d.s.); possession of c.d.s. with the intent to
distribute; possession with the intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a
school; distribution of a c.d.s.; distribution of a c.d.s. within 1,000 feet of
a school; and, maintaining a narcotics production facility (a first degree
crime).
The prosecutor also noted
that Aviles is scheduled for trial on October 28, 2002 for similar charges
stemming from a December 2001 investigation.
In that matter, Aviles faces charges for maintaining a narcotics
production facility, narcotics offenses, firearms offenses, possession of 6
stolen automobiles and possession of counterfeit drivers’ licenses, birth
certificates and social security cards.
In February 2002, Aviles
was charged with operating a stolen automobile and parts facility and theft by
receiving stolen property namely 8 stolen automobiles.
That matter was indicted by a Mercer County grand jury on August 13,
2002.
Aviles was free on bail for
both the December 2001 and February 2002 incidents.
“This case underscores
the need for real bail reform in New Jersey, “ Giaquinto said. “The revolving door needs to be slammed on career criminals
who continue their nefarious ways due to the ability to post a bail bond,” the
prosecutor added.
Bail on the current charge
was set at $200,000 cash by the Honorable F. Lee Forrester. Aviles is currently being held at the Mercer County
Corrections Center.
Despite having been charged, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.