A two-month investigation into the distribution of cocaine in Hamilton Township conducted by the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force (MCNTF) culminated recently with two arrests and the seizure of cocaine worth approximately $56,300, four handguns and more than $50,000 in cash, Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey announced.
As a result of the investigation, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Ewing, Hamilton and Trenton police, a search warrant was obtained for the residence in the 200 block of East Franklin Street in Hamilton. After members of the MCNTF and the Hamilton Police Division SWAT Team secured the premises, Sgt. Tom Paglione utilized his K-9 partner, Indy, to conduct a narcotics search. Indy gave positive indications for the presence of narcotics in multiple areas of the residence and a subsequent search led to the seizure of approximately 326 grams of suspected cocaine, a Beretta Model 92X handgun, an H&R Arms Co. Model 922 revolver and assorted drug paraphernalia and packaging materials from a second-floor bedroom. In the basement, detectives located approximately 800 grams of suspected cocaine, a Springfield XD .45 caliber handgun, assorted ammunition, a suspected firearm suppressor, digital scales and assorted drug paraphernalia. A Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 28mm handgun and assorted ammunition were discovered in the dresser drawer of another bedroom that appeared to be a child’s room. Detectives further recovered approximately $43,000 in cash and additional ammunition scattered throughout the residence.
Two people were arrested with a man being charged with multiple first-degree narcotic and weapons offenses, and one count of endangering the welfare of a child. A woman was arrested a few days later in Hamilton Township on a warrant charging the same offenses.
According to Prosecutor Marbrey, the approximate street value of the confiscated cocaine is $56,300.
