A months-long narcotics investigation by the Hoboken Police Department has resulted in two dozen arrests. Today, Hoboken Police Chief Steven Aguiar and the Hoboken Police Department announced the arrest of 24 individuals, following a two-month investigation into illegal drug activity on and around the 300 block of Jackson Street.
In response to numerous community complaints about suspected drug sales and frequent loitering in the area, the Police Department’s Detective Bureau Street Crimes Unit, under the supervision of Sgt. William Collins, initiated an investigation..
In a statement Chief Aguiar said, “These arrests are the direct result of residents speaking up. We hear your concerns, and we will continue to take action to address them. Illegal drugs do not belong in Hoboken, and the Hoboken Police Department will not tolerate any illegal activity that puts our community at risk or impacts quality of life. I thank and commend those who came forward to report these crimes and I am grateful to the dedicated members of the Street Crimes Unit, and all of HPD, who continue working to make Hoboken an even safer City.”
The investigation began in early April. Detectives conducted extensive surveillance operations. Using unmarked vehicles and plainclothes officers, over the course of several weeks, multiple arrests were made. Nine of those arrested face more serious charges related to the distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, distribution within 500 feet of public housing, and distribution within 1,000 feet of a school. These individuals include:
- 36-year-old Michael Bates of Hoboken
- 30-year-old Julian Braxton of Hoboken
- 23-year-old Jaden Crandell of Hoboken
- 44-year-old Tyrone Miles of Hoboken
- 30-year-old Jordan Perez of Jersey City
- 30-year-old Spencer Perez of Hoboken
- 49-year-old Jamal Pittman of Hoboken
- 25-year-old Raffaelle Spadavecchia of Hoboken
- 20-year-old Justin Villafane of Hoboken
Photos Courtesy of Hoboken Police. 
If convicted of the most serious charges, those listed above face up to 10 years in prison.As a result of the investigation, 15 others were also arrested and charged with lesser crimes such as possession of CDS, including:
- 61-year-old Michael Dubreuil of Jersey City
- 25-year-old Luis Dutan-Pinguil of West New York
- 51-year-old Marcus Jackson of Jersey City
- 25-year-old Calvesia King of Hoboken
- 59-year-old Richard Medina of Jersey City
- 55-year-old Antonio Melendez of Hoboken
- 48-year-old Jose Mongon of Hoboken
- 30-year-old Edgar Najera of Hoboken
- 26-year-old Jose Najera of Hoboken
- 50-year-old Phillip Realpe of Jersey City
- 62-year-old Anthony Rhodes of Hoboken
- 55-year-old John Robles of Hoboken
- 37-year-old Otoniel Roman of Union City
- 63-year-old Domingo Santiago of Hoboken
- 29-year-old Jacob Smith of HobokenThe Hoboken Police Department also seized illegal narcotics, including 35.6 grams of crack cocaine and 105.6 grams of heroin along with $688 in cash believed to have been proceeds of illegal drug sales.The Hoboken Police Department encourages residents to continue reporting suspicious activity by calling (201) 420-2100, preferably as the activity is taking place. In an emergency, always call 9-1-1.