Arrest - Possession of CDS, Possession of Hypodermic Syringes
Lt. Robert Osborn
On 5/9/19, the Passaic County Drug Task Force observed a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu to be present in a known drug area in Paterson. A check of the registration revealed the owner of the vehicle resided in Newton at a Spring Street apartment building. The operator was identified as John Powasnick, age 27. This information was provided to a representative from the Sussex County Gangs, Guns and Narcotics Task Force.
Approximately an hour later, Task Force Detectives observed the described vehicle in the parking lot of a Spring Street Pharmacy. Upon leaving the parking lot, the vehicle was followed briefly and was observed to make a turn onto Trinity Street without signaling. The vehicle was then stopped on Water Street for the violation and the operator was identified as Powasnick.
A subsequent investigation resulted in Powasnick being found to be in possession of 10 bags of heroin and 2 hypodermic syringes. He was arrested and several other needles were also located within the vehicle.
As a result, Powasnick was processed and charged with the following offenses:
N.J.S. 2C:35-10a(1) Possession of CDS (3th Degree)
N.J.S. 2C:36-6 Possession of Hypodermic Syringes (Disorderly Persons)
Additionally, he was also issued motor vehicle summonses for:
39:4-126 Failure to Properly Signal while Turning
39:4-49.1 Possession of CDS in a Motor Vehicle
He was released pending an appearance at Central Judicial Processing.
Investigating Officers:
DSG. Steve VanNieuwland, Detective Thomas Tosti, Detective Joseph D’Annibale
Officer Justin McCann and his K-9 ”Roxi” from the Sussex County Sheriff’s Department
Detectives From the Passaic and Sussex County Task Forces.