By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Mercer County announced that a two-month investigation into the distribution of cocaine in Hamilton Township, conducted by the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force (MCNTF), culminated recently with two arrests and the seizure of cocaine worth approximately $56,300, four handguns, and more than $50,000 in cash.
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, a search warrant was obtained for the residence of Hedtson Perez in the 200 block of East Franklin Street in Hamilton.
According to Mercer County officials, on November 6, detectives located and detained Perez at the residence. After members of the MCNTF and the Hamilton Police Division SWAT Team secured the premises, Sgt Tom Paglione utilized his K-9 partner, Indy, to conduct a narcotics search.
Indy gave positive indications for the presence of narcotics in multiple areas of the residence, and a subsequent search led to the seizure of approximately 326 grams of suspected cocaine, a Beretta Model 92X handgun, an H&R Arms Co. Model 922 revolver, and assorted drug paraphernalia and packaging materials from a second-floor bedroom, MCPO officials say.
Mercer County officials said that in the basement, detectives located approximately 800 grams of suspected cocaine, a Springfield XD .45 caliber handgun, assorted ammunition, a suspected firearm suppressor, digital scales, and assorted drug paraphernalia.
A Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 28mm handgun and assorted ammunition were discovered in the dresser drawer of another bedroom that appeared to be a child’s room, MCPO authorities said. Detectives further recovered approximately $43,000 in cash and additional ammunition scattered throughout the residence.
Mercer County officials said that Perez, 42, was charged with multiple first-degree narcotic and weapons offenses, and one count of endangering the welfare of a child. The court granted the motion filed by the prosecutor’s office to detain Perez pending trial.
Perez’s girlfriend, Lisbeth Acevedo-Lara, 31, was arrested a few days later in Hamilton Township on a warrant charging the same offenses, MCPO officials stated.
According to Prosecutor Marbrey, the approximate street value of the confiscated cocaine is $56,300.