By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Mercer County announced that a month-long investigation into the distribution of heroin in Hamilton Township was conducted by the MercerCounty Narcotics Task Force (MCNTF) culminated this week with one arrest and the seizure of heroin worth approximately $23,000 and two handguns.
Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey stated that as a result of the investigation conducted by the members of the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Ewing, Hamilton, and Trenton police, Search warrants were obtained for David Maddox and his Klockner Road apartment in Hamilton.
According to Mercer County officials, at approximately 8:30 p.m. on October 27, detectives detained Maddox on Nottingham Way following a motor vehicle stop. Members of the MCNTF and the Hamilton Police Division SWAT Team executed the search warrant at the Klockner Road residence shortly thereafter.
Sgt. Tom Paglione utilized his K-9 partner, Indy, who gave positive indications for the presence of narcotics in multiple areas of the apartment, MCPO officials say.
During a search, MCPO officials said, detectives located approximately 118 grams of suspected heroin, a defaced Ruger LC9S semi-automatic handgun, a Smith & Wesson M&P semi-automatic handgun with a large capacity magazine, and assorted drug paraphernalia, including a digital scale, heroin stamps, and packaging materials.
Mercer County authorities stated Maddox, 34, was charged with multiple second-degree narcotic and weapons offenses. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain him pending trial.
According to Prosecutor Marbrey, the total street value of the confiscated heroin is $23,000.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law, Mercer County officials said.