Police: Felony Narcotics Arrest in Harrison

After explaining he was trying to "make a few bucks" by purchasing heroin in New York City and transporting it to Connecticut, a 21-year-old has been charged with felony drug possession, according to arrest reports.

Alvaro Matias, of Danbury, CT., was arrested following a traffic stop near Interstate 684 and the Hutchinson River Parkway in Harrison on March 22. Police say they smelled marijuana in the car during the stop and handcuffed Matias and two other men in the vehicle.

A search revealed seven bundles—10 small envelopes—of heroin and a small amount of marijuana hidden in Matias' jacket pocket on the front passenger seat, police say. At police headquarters Matias admitted the heroin and marijuana were his, according to arrest reports, and that he had bought them during a trip to visit a friend's aunt in the Bronx.

Matias, of 14 C Irving Place, said he had bought the drugs for $200 and that the other men in the car didn't know about the transaction or that the drugs were in the car.

According to arrest reports, Matias indicated he intended to sell the drugs.

Police charged Matias with criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell—both felonies. He was also cited for unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation.

The driver of the vehicle was cited for driving violations and the other passenger was not charged.

Matias was held on $1,000 bail and sent to Westchester County Jail until his court date earlier this week.