Members of the Newark Police Department’s Narcotics Squad, responding to an anonymous tip, recently concluded an undercover narcotics operation that culminated in the arrest of two men and the recovery of more than $8,500 worth of prescription medication.
Detectives began the investigation into the Tanares Bodega, 265 Park Ave. several weeks ago. On Feb. 29, police discovered nearly 800 different types of prescription pills, including Viagra, Oxycodone, Strovite, Suboxone, and Oxaprozin, the department said in a statement.
Police found a half dozen prescription bottles of hospital-use cough syrup and nearly a dozen doctor’s prescriptions made out to several different people.
Arrested were the 43-year-old store owner, Modesto Alvarez-Ayala, and store employee Pedro Reynoso-Cruz, 58, both of Newark. Both men were charged with 56 different narcotics offenses.
Police Director Samuel DeMaio stated, “This recent arrest is another testament to the extraordinary level of commitment demonstrated by our residents to improve and protect our community. The Newark Police Department will continue to work tirelessly to strengthen its partnership with the community through these arrests and seizures that are undoubtedly preventing crime and improving the quality of life here in Newark.”
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