By: Richard L. Smith
A month-long narcotics investigation in Montclair has led to the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of hundreds of suspected MDMA pills, cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, a stolen loaded handgun, cash believed to be drug proceeds, and a vehicle.
According to information released by the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began on June 8 after the Montclair Police Department received information regarding an alleged narcotics distribution operation in the township.
Detectives from both agencies launched a joint investigation, using surveillance and other investigative techniques that identified Jason M. Granderson as a suspect allegedly conducting numerous drug transactions near 18 Mission Street in Montclair.
As the investigation continued, detectives tracked Granderson’s movements between the Montclair location and his residence in West Orange.
Investigators later obtained court-authorized search warrants for both locations based on evidence gathered during the investigation.
On July 1, members of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Narcotics, Tactical Response Team, and the Montclair Police Department’s Community Response Team and Detective Bureau executed the search warrants.
Authorities said the operation resulted in the seizure of 612 suspected MDMA/ecstasy pills, approximately 10.8 grams of crack cocaine, 3 grams of cocaine, 214 grams of suspected marijuana, a loaded .40-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun that had been reported stolen from Richland County, South Carolina, approximately $2,841 believed to be narcotics proceeds, and a vehicle valued at about $12,000.
Granderson was arrested at his West Orange residence and charged with 16 criminal offenses, including narcotics distribution, distribution near public property and school property, committing a narcotics offense while in possession of a firearm, and receiving stolen property.
Authorities also arrested Quadee Lapread at the Montclair location. He is charged with narcotics distribution, including distribution within 500 feet of public property and within 1,000 feet of school property.
The investigation remains active