$1 million in heroin seized from California man at Ridgefield Park hotel
By Mary K. Miraglia
RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. (January 30, 2017) – Ridgefield Park police arrested a California man Sunday who had 26 pounds of heroin valued at approximately $1 million in a hidden compartment of a Saturn minivan, according to a statement from the Bergen County Prosecutor.
Ridgefield Park Police Officer Steven Fernandez investigated after he saw the vehicle in the parking lot of the Hampton Inn on Rte 46 east at about 3 p.m. Sunday with no visible license plates, according to Lt. Joseph Rella. When he checked the vehicle, he saw “an aftermarket trap” under the van, Rella said.
RPPD put a surveillance detail on the hotel and impounded the van after getting a search warrant, said the lieutenant. In addition to the heroin they found more than 500 pills of opiates.
The van’s driver, Rudolfo M. Mendez-Hernandez of La Quinta, CA tried to elude police in a cab, but was arrested by officers posted at the hotel and charged with manufacturing and distributing heroin and additional drug crimes. He is being held without bail in the Bergen County Jail pending a formal bail hearing.
Photo caption:
Rudolfo M. Mendez-Hernandez
Mugshot courtesy Bergen County Sheriff
