$100K In Cocaine Seized In Mercer Co. Drug Bust, 1 Person Charged: Prosecutor

MERCER COUNTY, NJ – After a two-month investigation, the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force (MCNTF) seized $100,000 in cocaine and arrested one person, County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey said Wednesday.

Paul Shirley, 51, of Brooklyn, New York, was arrested on June 4, as a result of the investigation conducted by MCNTF, with assistance from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Ewing, Hamilton and Trenton police.

Around 2:15 p.m. on June 4, detectives observed Shirley driving a silver Toyota Camry bearing a New York registration in the area of Brunswick Avenue and Race Street in Trenton. He was the sole occupant.

Detectives initiated a traffic stop and upon approaching the Camry, Sgt. Tom Paglione found an open compartment in the center console that he recognized as a trap compartment commonly used to conceal narcotics.

Shirley was detained without incident and Sgt. Paglione used his K-9 partner, Indy, to conduct an exterior “sniff” of the vehicle.

Indy gave a positive indication for the presence of narcotic odor and the vehicle was secured pending execution of a search warrant.

Detectives found approximately one kilogram of suspected cocaine under the driver’s seat of the vehicle.

Shirely was charged one count of first-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance and first-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance.

A judge ordered his release pending future court appearances following a detention hearing this week.

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