Crime Stoppers Tip Leads to Drug and Warrant Arrest

On Thursday, October 23, 2014 at 3:15 am, police received an anonymous tip on the Crime Stoppers telephone line regarding drug activity occurring in a garage on Willow Street.

Officers David Tortora and Peter Morano responded to the area to investigate the tip. Upon arrival, officers observed garage lights on and heard noise from a television playing inside. Officers approached the garage and knocked on the side door. A male, identified as Allan Verdeflor, 32, of Bergenfield, answered the door with a clear glassine bag containing a controlled dangerous substance in his left hand. Upon speaking with Verdeflor, officers determined he was under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance. In addition, officers observed drug paraphernalia within the garage, specifically a large glass bong. Several other men were also observed inside the garage in addition to Verdeflor.

One male located in the garage was identified as Ramil Culala, 38, of Bergenfield. An active warrant for Culala was discovered after police conducted a computer check. The warrant was issued by the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department.  Police communications personnel contacted the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department who verified that the warrant was active and no bail was permitted.  The warrant was issued for failing to appear. Other occupants in the garage were checked by officers and released without further incident. 

Verdeflor and Culala were placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters without incident. The drugs and paraphernalia were collected from the scene and secured into police evidence. Municipal Court Judge Helene Herbert was contacted and issued the following warrants for Verdeflor:  being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of less than one ounce of methamphetamine. Bail for Verdeflor was set at $5,000 no 10% permitted. 

Verdeflor was unable to post bail and was transported to Bergen County Jail without incident. 

 Culala was processed and turned over to the custody of Bergen County Sheriff's Officers.