The following is based on information received from a law enforcement agency.
CREST HAVEN – Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland, Sheriff Robert Nolan, and Lower Township Police Chief William Mastriana announced the seizure of approximately one kilogram (approximately 2.3 pounds) of suspected cocaine and a loaded handgun.
According to a March 12 release, on March 6, the County Prosecutor’s Office, Gangs Guns and Narcotics Task Force was conducting a joint narcotics investigation with the Sheriff’s Office and the Lower Township Police Detective Division into illegal narcotics sales in Villas.
During the drug suppression efforts, a motor vehicle violation was observed, and it was stopped by Lower Township patrol officers.
During the stop, a K-9 sweep of the vehicle was conducted by Officer Gomez of the Sheriff’s Office with K9 “Bama.” During the sweep, K9 “Bama” indicated the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. The vehicle was seized, and the occupants were released at the scene pending the issuance of a court-authorized search warrant.
On March 7, a Superior Court search warrant was authorized by Judge Sarah B. Johnson, JSC, for the vehicle. The subsequent search resulted in the seizure of approximately one kilogram of suspected cocaine and a loaded 45-caliber handgun.
Sutherland stated the approximate street value of a kilogram of cocaine is $32,000. This investigation is ongoing, and charges are pending for the drugs and weapons that were seized.
Sutherland stated that his office would continue to work hand-in-hand with the Sheriff’s Office and local municipalities to target anyone selling illegal controlled dangerous substances.
Sutherland continued to urge the citizens of Cape May County to report any information regarding illegal drug activity and or any criminal activity within the community and that this information can be reported anonymously through the Cape May County Sheriff’s Tip Line at cmcsheriff.net and click on anonymous tip, or through the Cape May County Crime Stoppers at 609-465-2800, or the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1135.
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