Police: Drug Deal Involving Heroin, Methadone Broken Up

Four individuals have been charged with various drug-related offenses after police discovered an alleged drug deal was underway at the Kings Inn on Route 46 Wednesday afternoon, police said.

The police department was investigating a separate report of an alleged prostitution incident that involved an individual in possession of a gun when officers discovered that a drug deal was occurring, Detective Capt. Jim Clarke said. No arrests were made in the alleged prostitution incident. 

Four area residents were charged with, among other things, possession of heroin and possession of Clonazepam tablets, police said.

Rose Helms, 26, of Wanaque, was charged with possession of 64 needles and syringes and possession of a crack pipe, Clarke said. She also had warrants out of Wayne and Clifton.

Austin Bowden, 43, of Butler, was charged with possession of 75 glassine envelopes of heroin, which was stamped "white gold," possession of three Clonazepam tablets and possession with intent to distribute heroin, Clarke said. Police believe Bowden was dealing the drugs, Clarke said.

Steven Smith, 31, of West Milford, was charged with possession of 35 methadone tables and 16 Clonazepam tablets, Clarke said. He had warrants for drug offenses out of Ringwood, Bloomingdale and Parsippany, Clarke said.

Michele Vitale, 31, of Pequannock, was charged with possession of two envelopes of "white gold" heroin and possession of Clonzepam, Clarke said.