EAST BRUNSWICK – Five people were charged as a result of a narcotics search warrant conducted by the East Brunswick Police Department’s Anti-Crime Unit.
With the assistance of the East Brunswick Police Department’s SWAT Team, the search warrant was executed on Dalston Street in the early morning hours of May 17, according to a statement from the East Brunswick Police Department.
During the search, heroin, cocaine and various prescription pills were allegedly seized from the residence as well as $5,000 in cash, a stun gun and a rifle.
The target of the two-month investigation, Lazaro Ruiz, 46, of East Brunswick, a resident who was reportedly renting a room from Michael Rangel, was charged with possession of heroin, distribution of heroin and possession and distribution of a controlled dangerous substance in a school zone.
Rangel, 29, of East Brunswick, was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Also charged were Samantha Miller, 32, of New Brunswick, for possession of heroin, distribution of heroin and possession and distribution of a controlled dangerous substance in a school zone; Angelica Nicastro, 29, of Clifton, originally from East Brunswick, with possession of heroin, distribution of heroin and possession and distribution of a controlled dangerous substance in a school zone; andPhillip Painter, 31, from Staten Island, New York, with possession of heroin and possession of a hypodermic syringe.
According to police, Ruiz, Miller and Nicastro were transported to the Middlesex County Adult Correction Center in lieu of $100,000 bail. Rangel had bail set at $100,000 with a 10 percent option and was able to post bail. Painter was released on his own recognizance.
