WILDWOOD — A month-long investigation into the street-level sales of narcotics came to a conclusion Thur., Dec. 29 at 9:45 p.m. when the Cape May County Tactical Entry Team executed two warrants on two separate Burk Avenue apartments.
According to a report by Wildwood Police Department Detective Division, the location was identified as a high crime area, known for its easy accessibility to purchase controlled dangerous substances, specifically heroin and cocaine.
Distribution quantities of cocaine and heroin were seized. The narcotics confiscated had an estimated street value of $1,000. Also seized in connection with the investigation was $2,500 in currency, narcotics paraphernalia and hypodermic syringes.
A follow-up investigation revealed the narcotics distributors used counter-surveillance video, which monitored the access points to the target residences.
Three suspects were arrested as part of the investigation:
Gabriel Pagan-Valentin, 28, of Wildwood was charged with possession of cocaine; possession of cocaine with intent to distribute; possession of cocaine with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of school property; possession of cocaine with intent to distribute within 500 feet of certain public places; possession of heroin, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of heroin with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of school property; possession of heroin with intent to distribute within 500 feet of certain public places; possession of marijuana, possession of narcotics paraphernalia; and possession of hypodermic syringes.
Bail for Pagan-Valentin was set at $75,000 cash by Wildwood Municipal Judge Christopher Robertson. Pagan-Valentin is being held at the Cape May County Correctional Center.
Sol Gonzalez, 35, of Wildwood was charged with possession of prescribed medication without an authorized prescription; possession of narcotics paraphernalia; and possession of hypodermic syringes. She was processed and released on criminal summons complaints.
Jose Mercado, 38, of Wildwood, was charged with possession of narcotics paraphernalia and possession of hypodermic syringes. He was processed and released on criminal summons complaints.
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