Cops Seize $26K Worth of Drugs in Bergen County Drug Bust

A 3-month investigation led to the arrest of two men and the seizure of $26,000 worth of drugs in Bergen County.

Jose L. Vazquez, 48, of Hasbrouck Heights, and Steve Lebron, 44, of Summit, were arrested Wednesday after the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotic Task Force and the Hasbrouck Heights Police Department were conducting surveillance at Vasquez’s residence, Bergen County Prosecutor John L. Molinelli said.

Authorities conducted a motor vehicle stop after witnessing Lebron arrive at Vazquez’s residence at 7:40 p.m. and leave “a short time later,” and found he was in possession of approximately $8,000 in cash and several grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine, according to Molinelli.

Members of the Narcotics Task Force, Hasbrouck Heights Police Department and Bergen County Sheriff’s Department then did a subsequent search of Vazquez’s residence and seized “approximately 350 grams of suspected cocaine, one and one-half (1½) pounds of suspected marijuana, a large quantity of suspected anabolic steroids and approximately $30,000 cash.” Vazquez was arrested without incident.

According to Molinelli, the estimated street value of the crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and anabolic steroids seized is approximately $26,000.

Lebron was charged with one count of possession of crystal methamphetamine in a quantity less than half an ounce, a third degree crime. He was released on his own recognizance pending a first appearance at the Bergen County Central Municipal Court on Feb. 17 for arraignment.

Vazquez was charged with one count of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine in a quantity greater than five ounces, a first degree crime, and one count of possession with the intent to distribute marijuana in a quantity greater than one ounce, but less than five pounds.

Bail for Vazquez was set at $75,000 with no ten percent cash option. He was remanded to the Bergen County Jail in lieu of bail.

Molinelli said the investigation is continuing and additional charges may be pursued at the Grand Jury proceeding.

Photo 1: Jose L. Vazquez

Photo 2: Steve Lebron