On Friday March 18th, the Broome County Special Investigations Unit concluded two separate month long investigations into the illegal sale and possession of heroin.
Several search warrants were executed as a result of the investigations.
A total of 720 bags of heroin with a street value of over $14,000.00, $4030.00 in United States currency and a 1998 Nissan Quest minivan were seized.
In a search of Joaquin Cartagena, 42, of Binghamton police found 520 bags of heroin, $3740 in United States currency and a digital scale in his vehicle.
Cartagena also had ten bags of heroin on him.
Cartagena was arrested and charged with felony Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and other offenses.
In addition to these charges, Cartagena had an outstanding arrest warrant for Criminal Possession of a Weapon.
The second search warrant was executed on Kimberly Knapik, 25, of Endwell.
Police found 95 double bags of heroin and $290.00 in United States currency in her vehicle.
Double bags of heroin have twice as much heroin as a normal bag and therefore cost double the price.
Knapik was arrested and charged with felony Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Both Cartagena and Knapik are being held at the City of Binghamton Police lockup and are awaiting arraignment.
The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force is made up of members of the Broome County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Binghamton Police Department, and the Village of Johnson City Police Department.
