PARSIPPANY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief Paul Philipps of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department announce the arrest of two (2) interstate drug traffickers and the seizure of over 1000 grams (one kilogram) of cocaine.
On Monday, November 9, members of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department received information that a group of individuals were importing illegal narcotics into Morris County from New York State. Narcotics Task Force Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Office and Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department intercepted this drug distribution duo as they traveled on State Highway 46 in Parsippany.
Following the vehicle stop, the drugs were located and seized from a concealed compartment in the vehicle, more commonly referred to as a “trap.” The two individuals were placed under arrest and charged. Police also seized this vehicle, containing the manufactured trap, which will be subject to a civil forfeiture action.
The wholesale street value of the seized kilogram of cocaine is approximately $36,000. The following individuals were charged:
- Juan E. Liranzo, 31, from Bayside, New York
- Lia J. Cespedes, 26, from Forest Hills, New York
Both Liranzo and Cespedes were charged with the following:
- One (1) count of first-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine).
- One (1) count of second-degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine).
- One (1) count of third-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine)
The Honorable David Ironson, J.S.C. set bail for both Liranzo and Cespedes at $250,000, no 10% option, with bail source hearing condition imposed. Both individuals were lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in default of bail.
Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp stated: “The Narcotics Task Force successfully interdicted a significant quantity of cocaine that was destined for distribution in Morris County. Law enforcement in this County will continue to work together to successfully thwart upper-level drug distribution organizations as they attempt to import wholesale illegal narcotics into our communities.”
Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp wishes to thank the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit (Narcotics Task Force), the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. This investigation was led by Task Force Officer George Tsimpedes and Chief Assistant Prosecutor Bradford Seabury.
Criminal complaints are merely accusations. Despite these accusations, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
