By Mary O’KEEFE

As kids were walking home after school on Tuesday along La Crescenta Avenue they may have noticed Glendale police officers searching a vehicle. What they didn’t know was that the officers were discovering a major source of illegal drugs in the area.

GPD’s Narcotics Unit was conducting surveillance on a suspect at a home in the 200 block of South Cedar Street in Glendale. Saroj Heraped was suspected of selling opium from his home.

Gevork Hakopian, 56, of La Crescenta was allegedly observed entering Heraped’s Cedar Street home and leaving a short while after. Detectives followed Hakopian and conducted a traffic stop. During the investigation there was a search of the vehicle where police allegedly found 1.5 pounds of opium that was located in the center console of the vehicle and over $1,000 in the suspect’s possession.

Detectives then conducted a search at Hakopian’s residence in the 2700 block of Los Olivos Lane in La Crescenta. Investigators reportedly found 10 pounds of opium.

A search warrant was also issued at the Cedar Street home where another ounce of opium was recovered.

“Opium is the product derived from poppy plants. It is no different than heroin or Vicodin,” Lorenz said. “It is where pain medication comes from.”

It appears the Los Olivos Lane suspect may have been the supplier of illegal drugs to the suspect on Cedar Street. Detectives are continuing their investigation.

Both suspects were arrested and both have been released on bail.

  Mary Okeefe