City Detective Accused of Trafficking Cocaine, Heroin

A Bronx detective was arrested today on charges that he conspired in a cocaine and heroin trafficking operation, officials said.

Detective James Calderon, a 13-year veteran of the police department, is accused of transporting four kilograms of cocaine from the Bronx to Virginia in 2005, according to an indictment filed in New York County Supreme Court.

Detective Calderon worked for two other suspects, Luis Mendoza and Jorge Mendoza, who began the operation in December 2004, according to the indictment.

An investigation of Detective Calderon began in May of 2006 after he sought to retrieve an impounded vehicle that had heroin hidden inside, according to the indictment. The detective had earlier met with the driver of the vehicle, Jorge Mendoza.

Detective Calderon was arrested at 7 a.m. this morning in the Bronx by a team of police officers and Drug Enforcement Administration agents, officials said. He is being charged with possession of a controlled substance and conspiracy.

If convicted of the charges, Detective Calderon faces up to 20 years in prison.