Three Men Charged With Narcotics Possession

Three men are accused of narcotics possession following an extensive investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Harrison Police, according to arrest reports obtained by Patch.

Tom Ljuljgjuraj, 35, Paul Gentile, 27, and Brett Bukosfer, 23, are charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Investigators believe that Ljuljgjuraj had been transporting narcotics into Harrison and selling them to Harrison residents, according to arrest reports. Ljuljgjuraj was arrested following a traffic stop on Halstead Avenue when he was caught with approximately 40 Oxycodone Hydrochlorine tablets, a report said. Ljuljgjuraj was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd and 5th degree.

Ljuljgjuraj, of Empire Street, Yonkers, was released on $7,500 bail.

Police also executed a search warrant that led to the arrests of Gentile and Bukofser, who reside on Halstead Avenue in Harrison. Police suspected that the two had been selling drugs from their shared apartment after smelling burnt marijuana coming from the building, arrest reports said.

After obtaining a search warrant, police found cocaine and approximately 80 Oxycodone tablets without a prescription, the reports said. Gentile and Bukofser were both charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd and 7th degree, as well as unlawful possession of marijuana. Each was released on $500 cash bail.

When asked about the arrests, Harrison Police Chief Anthony Marraccini said they took place following a lengthy police investigation. 

Marraccini said the issue of narcotics in Harrison has been "building" over the last few years as manpower in the department has been reduced through budget cuts.

"We have seen such an issue with narcotics use and sales that we are forced to make reassignments to try and handle the overwhelming need for enforcement," Marraccini said.

The investigation into each arrest was a joint effort between the DEA and Harrison Police.

Editor's Note: A fourth suspect was originally charged in this case, but all misdemeanor charges were later dropped. The article was updated on April 26, 2012 to reflect that change.