Biccum
Ruzanski
PORT JERVIS – A boyfriend and girlfriend, who have been in trouble
with the law in the past for drug-related offenses, were arrested early
Monday morning when police executed a no-knock search warrant at their
apartment at the Sutton Garden Apartments in the City of Port Jervis.
Authorities said they were high level dealers who bought their poison
in large quantities in Pennsylvania and Paterson, New Jersey and sold
it to street level dealers.
Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler said Darren Biccum, 34, and Carolee Ruzanski, 27, were big-time dealers.
“What they essentially are here in the City of Port Jervis is they are mercenaries of death and I can’t say that in a strong enough tone,” Hoovler said. “The amount there were selling, 20 to 30 bricks per week, for this city, that is enormous. This amount of heroin here is enough to get half of the fourth ward high on a particular day.”
This is not their first brush with the law. They have been on their radar for seven years, having been arrested on other drug-related charges.
This time, at the conclusion of a six-week investigation, the two were charged with felony and misdemeanor criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell.
At the time of their arrest, their eight-month-old son was with them, Port Jervis Chief William Worden said.
Police display evidence seized in what may be the biggest drug case
in Port Jervis history
The bust, believed to be the largest heroin seizure in the city, included 886 decks of heroin, one-eighth ounce of powder cocaine, pills and close to $1,200 in cash.
Hoovler said they were selling $10,000 to $15,000 worth of drugs per week, translating to some $720,000 worth annually.
The warrant was executed by Port Jervis detectives and a special unit of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in cooperation with the DA’s office.
Mayor Kelly Decker said the city is “not going to tolerate” drug dealers.
Worden said there is “a strong nexus between drugs and part one crimes,” the most severe offenses.
While criminal prosecutions are one tool to curb the drug epidemic, law enforcement said they also deal with education and treatment when applicable.
