Two Bernards siblings arrested for selling drugs to undercover detectives

Anyone who has seen the original “Godfather” movie probably remembers the great scene in which the heads of Mafia families meet to discuss a new venture: the widespread distribution of illegal narcotics.  Vito Corleone, played by Marlon Brando, had done his best to keep out of the drug business, explaining to his fellow Dons that drugs were different than other vices.  Don Corleone cited one of the reasons to avoid narcotics trafficking was that police protection, allegedly provided to them for illegal rackets like gambling, would disappear and result in zealous enforcement by the police when it came to drugs.

Today, the police consistently hit the streets, to catch and convict narcotics offenders. They dedicate task forces, and use undercover officers, to do their best to pre-empt drug use and distribution, and thousands of otherwise law abiding citizens are finding themselves on the wrong side of the law.

Another example of this occurred recently in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Township.  Two siblings – Ivan Chio, 20, and Ivy Chio, 18 – were arrested Tuesday- after allegedly selling drugs to undercover detectives, according to a joint statement from Somerset County Prosecutor Geoffrey D. Soriano, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Detectives Stuart A. Buckman, and Bernards Township Chief of Police Brian Bobowicz.

Mr. Soriano stated that an undercover detective on the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force is alleged to have purchased ecstasy, sometimes known as “Molly,” from Ivan Chio near his home.  The same undercover detective also claims to have made additional purchases from Ivan Chio on June 4 and June 17, involving alleged marijuana, once again, in the same area.  After the third purchase, the Task Force went to a Superior Court judge and reportedly obtained a search warrant for his residence.

During the search, detectives from the Prosecutor’s Office and the Bernards Township Police Department, claim to have seized approximately four ounces of marijuana, with an estimated street value of $2,500. In addition, drug paraphernalia such as a grinder, a digital scale, and packaging material were also seized.  Prosecutors charged Ivan Chio with distribution of ecstasy and two counts of distribution of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and possession of drug paraphernalia.  Additionally, Ivy Chio was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia.  Bail was set for Ivan Chio at $15,000 and for Ivy Chio at $10,000. Both had the option of posting a 10-percent bond.

While the arrest record of the Chio siblings is not known, the low bail and their relatively young ages would indicate that this may be a first offense and the judge decided to show leniency.  Unfortunately for them, the charges they face, and potential jail time they face, are not slight for these charges.  The charges were not mere possession but “intent to distribute” which is a much more serious charge.  The Chio siblings, who previously may not have had any trouble with the law, now have more than a small share.