Several people from Essex County NJ were recently arrested on drug charges in Jersey City, New Jersey.
According to authorities, Jersey City police were conducting surveillance on a store located on Ocean Avenue in Jersey City, NJ. The officers reportedly saw one of the suspects approach another suspect in front of the store. Both suspects then entered the store.
While the suspects were inside the store, police observed them through a glass door. The officers allegedly saw the suspects conduct a drug deal.
A suspect then left the store and walked a few blocks, at which point police stopped him and conducted a search. According to a police report, the officers found the suspect in possession of a bag of marijuana.
The other suspect began to exit the store, but suddenly stopped and walked back inside after seeing the police radio car.
Officers feared that the suspect might attempt to destroy evidence of illegal drugs, so they moved toward the store and placed the suspect under arrest without incident.
Once inside the store, police allegedly saw another suspect standing behind the counter. According to officers, the suspect tried to toss a bag containing 10 smaller bags of marijuana.
A short time later, another suspect walked into the building. Police recognized the suspect as an individual who had previously conducted alleged drug buys and sales at the business. As a result, the suspect was placed under arrest.
Police reportedly received consent from the building owner to search the store. During the subsequent search, police allegedly found 39 bags of marijuana in a coffee can hidden behind the store counter; 36 bags of marijuana in a back room; a large bag with marijuana stored inside a safe; a ledger with illegal gambling records; and more than $5,000 in cash.
Five suspects were charged with drug offenses, including marijuana possession and marijuana distribution. Additionally, three of the suspects were charged with promoting gambling.
The suspects hail from Newark, Jersey City, and Bayonne.
For more information, check out the NJ.com article entitled “Probe into Jersey City Store Leads to 5 Arrests on Drug, Gambling Charges.”
