Dog-Walker Caught With AK-47-Style Rifle, 1/2 Kilo Of Cocaine In Bergen County: Police

CARLSTADT, NJ — A 50-year-old dog walker was charged in connection with an Ak-47-style assault rifle and approximately one-half kilo of cocaine that were found in a search of his vehicle Tuesday in Carlstadt, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said.

Mervin Menier, a registered agent for Doggyn'm, was caught driving the illicit drug shipment through Bergen County, and found with the rifle, high-capacity magazines for the rifle, and ammo boxes. All of the items were stored in a hidden compartment in his vehicle, Musella said.

Menier was arrested at the scene, and charged with first-degree possession of over five ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute, second-degree possession of an assault rifle, second-degree possession of a firearm during a CDS offense, second-degree certain persons not to have weapons, and fourth-degree possession of high capacity magazines.

He was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending his first court appearance, the prosecutor's office said.

Menier was also charged in 2016 with first-degree distribution of cocaine or possession of cocaine with intent to distribute; he was among 12 charged in a drug-dealing scheme known as "Operation Skin Deep," Hudson County View reported.