By Jasmin Bonimy ~ Guardian Staff Reporter ~ jasmin@nasguard.com:
Police yesterday reported one of the biggest drug busts in recent times after they seized more than $1 million worth of marijuana stashed in an upscale western New Providence home.
Superintendent Anthony Ferguson, head of the Drug Enforcement Unit, said officers from his division made the bust around 5:45 a.m. after they were tipped off.
He said agents executed a search warrant at the home, located on Ocean View Drive in Westridge Estates.
"During the course of that search, a large quantity of suspected bales of marijuana was discovered hidden in a closet in one of the rooms," Ferguson said, adding that the total weight of the marijuana was 930 pounds with an estimated street value of $1,116,000.
Ferguson also said three men, ages 44, 26 and 19, and a woman, 24, were taken into custody.
He added that a 17-year-old boy who lived at the home, which reportedly was rented for $2,200 a month, was also arrested and was being questioned by police.
"We don't see any connection with the rental home and the other building on the property that housed the property owners," he said.
Also taken from the home were two children, ages two and seven, according to police.
"They were put into the protective custody of relatives as our investigations continue," Ferguson said.
When asked if police had been conducting surveillance on the home in the time leading up to the bust, Ferguson said, "Suffice it to say that we were acting on information. I'm not prepared to go any further at this time."
He said at least one of the men arrested is "known" to police and that his team plans to continue to aggressively pursue criminals.
"I can say that the officers of the Drug Enforcement Unit are focused," he said. "The public can expect more aggressive interdiction during this year. Those persons who are involved in drug dealing ought to know we will always be on their case until we can catch them."
Ferguson noted that charges against those arrested in connection with yesterday's bust could come as early as next week.
Saturday January 23, 2010
