Motor Vehicle Stop Leads to Drug Arrest

VILLAS – Detectives from the Lower Township Police Department’s Detective Division conducted surveillance operations for drug-related activity in the Villas section of Lower Township March 18.  
During this operation, a motor vehicle stop was made in the area of Maple and Bayshore roads in Villas for a traffic violation.
As the investigation developed, a consent search was requested and agreed upon by the driver of the vehicle who was identified as Robert Makowski, 27, of Villas.  
The search uncovered drug paraphernalia which was located inside of his vehicle. Makowski was placed under arrest. 
Per standard operating procedures, Lower Township Police Patrolman Jordan Saini conducted a search of the rear passenger compartment of his patrol vehicle and ensured it was free of any weapons or contraband prior to placing Makowski in the vehicle and departing. 
Upon arriving at the Lower Township police station, Makowski was removed from the patrol vehicle and it was searched again. This search revealed six bags of suspected heroin in the rear passenger compartment of the vehicle. 
Makowski was subsequently charged with tailgating, possession of drug paraphernalia, a disorderly persons offense, and third degree possession of heroin. 
Makowski was processed and released on a summons pending his court appearance. 
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. This report is based on information received from law enforcement.