By: Richard L. Smith
A five-month investigation into narcotics distribution in Mercer County has resulted in the arrest of a Trenton-area man and the seizure of drugs and weapons with an estimated street value of more than $127,000, according to information released by Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey.
As part of the investigation, detectives obtained search warrants for Ronald C. Smith and multiple locations in Ewing, Trenton, and Roebling. At approximately 6:50 a.m. on March 2, 2026, investigators detained Smith at his residence on Norman Avenue in Roebling.
During a search of the residence, detectives located approximately $9,500 in cash along with assorted financial records.
Authorities said Smith was also found with keys that provided access to additional properties on New Trent Street in Ewing, an apartment on Old Rose Street in Trenton, and a padlocked shed located on Brenwal Avenue in Ewing.
During the execution of a search warrant at the New Trent Street property, investigators recovered approximately 100 grams of crack cocaine, one brick of heroin, two high-capacity magazines, and assorted ammunition.
At the Brenwal Avenue location in Ewing, detectives located a .380 caliber handgun and a single-barrel shotgun. Hamilton Police K-9 handler Paul Piromalli and his K-9 partner Loki conducted a narcotics sniff of the property, and the K-9 gave a positive indication for narcotics in a detached shed.
A search of the shed revealed approximately 700 grams of powder cocaine, 40 bricks of heroin, and 10 grams of raw heroin.
At the Old Rose Street apartment in Trenton, investigators seized approximately 1,800 ecstasy tablets, five bricks of heroin, a 9mm Beretta handgun, and a stolen 9mm Springfield handgun.
Smith, 43, was charged with multiple first- and second-degree narcotics offenses as well as several second-degree weapons offenses. The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office has filed a motion seeking to detain him pending trial.
According to Prosecutor Marbrey, the estimated street value of the drugs seized during the investigation includes approximately $70,000 worth of powder cocaine, $10,000 in crack cocaine, $9,200 in pre-packaged heroin, $2,000 in raw heroin, and $36,000 in ecstasy tablets.