Morris County Narcotics Task Force and Dover Police Department make First Degree Cocaine Arrest

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Town of Dover Police Department Director Dominic Saldida announce the arrest of a high level drug distributor involved in the distribution of significant quantities of cocaine in an around the Town of Dover. As a result of this joint investigation, over 165 grams of cocaine, $4,800 in cash (drug distribution proceeds) and various items of drug paraphernalia indicative of drug distribution, including cutting agents, drug packaging materials, and digital scales were seized.  

Over the past few months, members of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) received information concerning high level cocaine distribution in and around the Dover, NJ area. During the evening hours of November 18, 2015, this investigation culminated when Detectives from the Narcotics Task Force and Dover Police Department conducted an undercover investigation that resulted in the above referenced seizures of contraband and the arrest of:

Norma Elena Luna-Arrieta, age 41 of Dover, NJ, who was charged with the following:

1 count of first-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine). 

1 count of second-degree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine).  

1 count of second-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine).  

1 count of second-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute within 500 feet of a park zone (cocaine).

1 count of third-degree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine).  

1 count of third-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine).  

3 counts of third-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine).  

The street value of the seized narcotics is approximately $16,500.  

Luna-Arrieta's bail was set by Municipal Court Judge Gerard Smith at $200,000, with no 10% option, as well as requiring a bail source hearing. In addition, the defendant is required to present a valid Government identification prior to release. The defendant was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in default of bail.  

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp stated: Members of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Special Enforcement Unit continue to cultivate intelligence and work collaboratively with local law enforcement to infiltrate drug distribution networks and disrupt the flow of narcotics entering Morris County.  The success of our efforts is the direct result of partnerships and criminal intelligence sharing between members of the Narcotics Task Force and our municipal partners.

Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp wishes to thank the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Special Enforcement Unit (Narcotics Task Force), the Town of Dover Police Department and the Morris County Sheriff's Office K9 Unit.  

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation.  Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Any inquiries can be directed to Deputy Chief Denise H. Arseneault at 973-285-6262 or DArseneault@co.morris.nj.us.