Prosecutor: Tip Leads to Cocaine Arrest in Bernards

A tip to authorities that a Clifton man would be allegedly carrying cocaine while traveling in a taxi in the area of Commonwealth Drive in Bernards Township led to the man's apprehension Thursday, according to a release on Friday from the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office and

The release, issued by Somerset County Prosecutor Geoffrey D. Soriano, said  the county Prosecutor’s Office Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force had received information with the accusation regarding the man later identified as Ismael Rodriguez, 34, of Clifton.

"On June 14, 2012 at approximately 6:55 p.m., Task Force detectives, along with members of the Bernards Township Police Department, set up surveillance in the area of Commonwealth Drive," according to the release from Soriano, the prosecutor's office staff and Bernards Police Chief Brian Bobowicz.

According to the prosecutor's office, the county Task Force detectives observed a taxicab that was parked on Commonwealth Drive with defendant Rodriguez located in the backseat, the release said.

As the Task Force detectives and Bernards Township officers approached the vehicle, Rodriguez was observed allegedly attempting to destroy a quantity of cocaine by stomping on the cocaine with his feet, the release said.

Rodriguez was removed from the taxicab and was placed under arrest at that time, according to the prosecutor's office.

The release said detectives subsequently obtained voluntary permission from the driver to search the taxicab.  Authorities said that detectives allegedly seized one bag of cocaine within that had been ripped open from defendant Rodriguez’ actions.

The seized cocaine from Rodriguez has an estimated street value of $300, the release said.

Rodriguez was charged with Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine) with the intent to istribute, second degree, and hindering apprehension, third degree. Rodriguez was lodged in the Somerset County Jail with bail set by Superior Court Judge Anthony F. Picheca, at $125,000 cash only.