Gloucester Township Police Conduct Drug Raid, Seize Heroin, Cocaine, Marijuana

Gloucester Township police recently conducted a raid that netted a large quantity of illegal drugs, including heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and prescription medication.

The Gloucester Township Police Department Special Investigations Unit opened an investigation into the alleged drug distribution operation after receiving multiple tips about illegal drug activity in the area. Detectives subsequently uncovered evidence that allowed them to obtain a search warrant for a residence located at 502 La Cascata in Gloucester Township, New Jersey. The Gloucester Township Police Department’s Operations Response Unit then executed the search warrant at the home and allegedly found large amounts of heroin, cocaine, and pot. Additionally, police allegedly discovered an unspecified quantity of Suboxone pills.

Police officers who conducted the raid also reportedly found, and seized, a stun gun, as well as $550 in cash that is believed to represent the proceeds of illegal drug sales.

Gloucester Township cops arrested one person, a 36-year-old man who is listed as the primary resident at the location of the drug bust. The suspect faces numerous criminal charges, including distribution of heroin, possession of heroin, distribution of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, illegal prescription drug possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, and unlawful possession of a stun gun. Additionally, the suspect faces enhanced penalties for allegedly distributing heroin within 500 feet of a public park. Since distribution of heroin near a park is a second degree felony under the NJ Criminal Code, the suspect could be looking at a sentence of 5-10 years in New Jersey State Prison on that charge alone.

After being placed under arrest and charged, the suspect was taken to the Camden County Correctional Facility in Camden, NJ. He will remain in police custody at the jail until he posts bail or resolves the criminal charges against him.

In addition to dealing with the very serious drug crime charges, the suspect could also lose custody of minor children who were reportedly found by authorities at the Gloucester Township residence. The kids were temporarily handed over to the custody of the Gloucester Township Police Department’s Juvenile and Family Bureau, which will take a closer look at the matter and likely refer the case to the New Jersey Department of Child Protection and Permanency (CP&P).

Camden County Authorities Respond to Drug Addiction Epidemic

Camden County law enforcement has really started to crack down on illegal drug distribution in recent years, partly in response to a sharp rise in the number of fatal drug overdoses in New Jersey and throughout the county. Since 2010, the rate of heroin-related overdose deaths in NJ has more than doubled.

In an announcement about the recent drug bust and arrest, a spokesperson for the Gloucester Township Police Department stated that local police campaigns are “targeting those who illegally distribute narcotics” in the area. Moreover, said the spokesperson, police “will continue to attack, with the assistance of local, state, and federal partnerships, the abuse and sale of these highly addictive narcotics.”

There has also been an increased emphasis by Camden County law enforcement and health officials to get drug-addicted individuals the help they need. For instance, when announcing the outcome of the recent drug raid, the Gloucester Township Police Department also encouraged anyone suffering from drug addiction or abuse problems to get in touch with the Gloucester Township SAVE Advocate.

The Gloucester Township Police Department’s Project SAVE is an initiative that focuses on prevention and intervention and that aims to help lower-level drugs offenders who were not previously offered the chance to seek treatment for their drug addictions. The program places an alcohol and drug counselor, known as a Project SAVE Advocate, in the Gloucester Township Municipal Court. Additionally, the program provides the opportunity for criminal defendants with addiction issues to call an advocate so that they can get information about drug addiction treatment options.

If you have been charged with a drug crime in Camden County, New Jersey, you need an aggressive criminal defense attorney handling your case. The experienced criminal defense lawyers at Davis & Mendelson will help you fight your charges and avoid the most severe penalties. Contact us anytime to schedule a free initial consultation.