Resident Faces Heroin, Other Drug Charges

A 21-year-old Basking Ridge man faces charges of possession of heroin and under 50 grams of marijuana, along with related drug paraphernalia and motor vehicle charges, after he allegedly failed to obey a stop sign on East Craig Street, police said.

Along with the heroin and marijuana possession charges, Daniel Utkewicz also has been charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle, and failure to stop or yield, according to township police.

On Tuesday, Sept. 28 at about 5 p.m., Officer William Seiple observed a 2007 Toyota turn from East Craig Street onto North Maple Avenue, without stopping at the stop sign on East Craig, according to the township police report. Police said Seiple pulled over the car and identified the driver as Utkewicz.

Upon approaching the vehicle, Seiple allegedly detected the odor of marijuana emanating from inside. The officer also reported observing loose marijuana on the center console.

According to police, Utkewicz allegedly admitted there was additional marijuana in the center console and granted the officer consent to search the vehicle.

Police said Seiple recovered marijuana as well as two capsules containing a powder that were wrapped in a rubber glove fingertip. The powder in the capsules was later identified as heroin, according to police. A marijuana pipe also was found in the car's center console, police said.

Police said Utkewicz was placed under arrest and transported to township police headquarters. Utkewicz was processed and released on his own recognizance.