Drug Bust Nets $56K Worth Of Cocaine, 4 Guns, $50K In Cash In Mercer County: Prosecutor

HAMILTON, NJ — Two people were arrested, and $56,300 worth of cocaine, four handguns, and more than $50,000 in cash were found following a two-month-long drug investigation in Hamilton, said Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey.

On Nov. 6, the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force(MCNTF) went to 42-year-old Hedtson Perez's home in the 200 block of East Franklin Street in Hamilton.

Sgt. Tom Paglione used his K-9 partner, Indy, to search for drugs, who pointed to multiple areas of the home.

A search led to the seizure of around 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, said Marbrey.

In the basement, detectives found around 800 grams of suspected cocaine, a Springfield XD .45 caliber handgun, assorted ammunition, a suspected firearm suppressor, digital scales, and assorted drug paraphernalia, said Marbrey.

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, said Marbrey.

Detectives also found around $43,000 in cash and additional ammunition scattered throughout the home.

The approximate street value of the confiscated cocaine is $56,300, according to Marbrey.

Perez 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’ girlfriend, Lisbeth Acevedo-Lara, 31, was arrested a few days later in Hamilton Township on a warrant charging the same offenses.

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