1,100 bricks of heroin seized in I-81 traffic stop

Pennsylvania State Police, Gibson, seized 1,100 bricks of heroin during a traffic stop on Interstate 81 in New Milford Twp. on May 9.

Frank Martinez Jr., 31, Bronx, NY, was traveling north on the highway when pulled over by police after the patrol officer observed a white van with tint on its windshield and front windows. Martinez told police he was traveling from the Bronx to Syracuse, NY.

In the affidavit filed in New Milford District Court, Tpr. Michael Maguire wrote, “Based on my training and experience I know both of these cities to be source areas for illegal narcotics.”

According to the affidavit, the trooper identified indicators of criminal activity and Martinez consented to a search of the vehicle, both verbally and in written form.

In the search, police discovered two boxes containing bulk heroin of 1,100 bricks – amounting to about 50,000 bags – packed in beer boxes in the stow-and-go area for the back seats of the van.

There are 10 bags of heroin in a bundle and five bundles make up a brick, according to expert testimony offered in the US District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania in an unrelated 2006 incident.

According to the Addiction Center website (www.addictioncenter.com) a baggie of heroin typically costs between $5 and $20.

Martinez has been charged with one felony count of manufacture, delivery or possession of a controlled substance with intent to manufacture or deliver.

Martinez was taken into custody and is being held in the Susquehanna County Correctional Facility and is being held on $250,000 bail. He is represented by Brian Scott, of Mack Law Offices, Kingston.

A preliminary hearing in New Milford District Court is scheduled for June 21.

To get connected to local alcohol and drug abuse services, call 2-1-1.

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