'Dealer' gulps 20 crack bags

Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Jersey Journal

Hudson County investigators seized $61,000 in cash after busting a 21-year-old Jersey City Heights man on drug dealing charges, but they had to rush him to the hospital after he swallowed 20 bags of crack, officials said.

Ruben Rodriguez, 21, of Cambridge Avenue, was charged Friday with multiple drug counts, including possession of cocaine with intent to distribute in a quantity greater than one-half ounce, said Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio.

A 17-year-old boy living at the same address near Congress Street, was also arrested on various drug charges, officials said, adding that police believe the boy drove Rodriguez around while making narcotics deliveries.

Crystal M. Camacho, 19, of the same address, was also charged with numerous drug dealing counts and with obstructing a government function after she tried to block the officers serving the search warrant, officials said.

When investigators searched Rodriguez they found him carrying two large bags of crack cocaine rocks, officials said, but he then began coughing and became ill and told the officers he had swallowed about 20 bags of crack. Rodriguez was rushed to the Jersey City Medical Center for treatment, officials said.

While searching Rodriguez's home police found more cocaine, $1,000 and keys to safe deposit boxes at a Heights bank where they later found the $61,000, officials said.

MICHAELANGELO CONTE