The bust occurred when members of the department's Narcotics Enforcement Unit (NEU) stopped a vehicle with several equipment violations on Fox Run Lane. While deputies were interviewing the driver and the passenger, they noticed several hypodermic needles in plain view on the floor of the vehicle, sheriff's officials said.
Both men, Michael Gomes, 27, and Jared Dimaio, 30, were detained and found to be in possession of the 67 baggies of heroin and hypodermic needles, sheriff's officials said.
Gomes was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. He is being held at the Putnam County Correctional Facility in lieu of $25,000 cash bail, sheriff's officials said.
Dimaio was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, criminally possessing a hypodermic instrument and several vehicle and traffic violations. He is also being held at the Putnam County Correctional Facility in lieu of $5,000 cash bail, sheriff's officials said.
If found guilty, Gomes could face up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Dimaio could face up to 25 years in state prison if found guilty and face a fine of up to $30,000.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Putnam and receive free news updates.