Police seize cash, marijuana

Arrest follows lengthy surveillance

By Owen Boss
Staff Writer

NORTHAMPTON — While arresting a suspected marijuana trafficker, Northampton police say they uncovered a pound of marijuana and more than $25,000 in cash inside a Main Street apartment.

David J. Asinas, 32, of 241 Main St., pleaded innocent Friday in Northampton District Court to charges of possessing a class D substance (marijuana) with intent to distribute and committing a drug violation near a park.

During the last week in January, local police, along with members of the Northwestern District Attorney’s State Police Narcotics Unit, began investigating a suspected drug-dealing operation in Asinas’ third-floor apartment, located across the street from Pulaski Park, according to court documents.

On Wednesday, police reportedly watched as Asinas and an unidentified accomplice attempted to rent an SUV at Bradley International Airport in Hartford, Conn., on two occasions. Both rental attempts were denied because the duo didn’t have a credit card.

Based on information from a confidential informant, the use of surveillance and information gained from the Drug Enforcement Administration, officers believed Asinas and an accomplice were leaving for Chicago, Ill., to purchase “a large amount of marijuana,” according to court documents.

Then, on Thursday morning, police parked outside of Asinas’ apartment and watched as he returned home in a rented Volvo, followed by an alleged accomplice in a rented moving van.

Suspecting that the pair were planning to leave town to make a purchase, state police Sgt. Christopher Wilcox, Trooper John Cummings and Northampton police Det. Peter Fappiano went upstairs to the man’s apartment and the three reported detecting a strong odor of marijuana when Asinas opened his door.

After obtaining a search warrant, police reportedly found $26,000 in cash, about one pound of marijuana, digital scales and assorted packaging materials.

Judge Richard J. Carey released Asinas on $500 bail and he is scheduled to appear in court for a pretrial hearing April 16.

Owen Boss can be reached at oboss@gazettenet.com