By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Mercer County announced that a two-month investigation into the distribution of cocaine in the city of Trenton, conducted by the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force (MCNTF), culminated last week with one arrest and the seizure of $100,000 in cocaine.
Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey stated that Paul Shirley, 51, of Brooklyn, New York, was arrested on June 4, as a result of the investigation conducted by the members of the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force, with assistance from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Ewing, Hamilton and Trenton police.
According to MCPO officials, at approximately 2:15 p.m., detectives observed Shirley operating a silver Toyota Camry bearing a New York registration in the area of Brunswick Avenue and Race Street in Trenton; he was the sole occupant.
Detectives initiated a motor vehicle stop and, upon approaching the Camry, Sgt. Tom Paglione observed an open compartment in the center console that he recognized as a trap compartment commonly used to conceal narcotics, Mercer County officials said.
MCPO officials say Shirley was detained without incident, and Sgt. Paglione utilized his K-9 partner, Indy, to conduct an exterior “sniff” of the vehicle.
Indy gave a positive indication for the presence of narcotic odor, and the vehicle was secured pending execution of a search warrant, Mercer County authorities said.
MCPO officials say detectives discovered approximately one kilogram of suspected cocaine under the driver’s seat of the vehicle.
Shirely was charged with one count of first-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance and first-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, according to Mercer County officials. 
MCPO authorities stated that a judge ordered his release pending future court appearances following a detention hearing this week.
According to Prosecutor Marbrey, the total street value of the confiscated cocaine is $100,000.