Another Major Cocaine Bust in Long Branch NJ
According to Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni, there was yet again another rather large cocaine bust in the County, this time in Long Branch. On July 18, 2018, following a lengthy investigation, search warrants were executed on two different residences within the City, one being located on Broadway and another on Morris Avenue. During the execution of the warrant, authorities uncovered more than a pound of cocaine, $32,000 in cash, a handgun, marijuana as well as various different items used to package drugs. All items were seized as well as three different motor vehicles.
The Defendant, a thirty-six year old male, was arrested and charged with various different drug offenses but the most severe offense is the possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute in the first degree. If convicted, the Defendant would be facing up to two decades behind bars as well as up to a $200,000 fine. The Defendant was taken to the Monmouth County Jail where he most likely awaits a Detention Hearing. This hearing will be conducted to determine whether or not the Defendant is entitled to be released on bail pending trial or whether he must be detained without bail.
Possession of a Weapon During Commission of Drug Offense
Although it is unclear at this point exactly what the Defendant is charged with but he is most likely facing the following charges:
- Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute;
- Possession of Marijuana Under 50 Grams;
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia;
- Unlawful Possession of a Weapon;
- Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose;
- Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Drug Offense.
Pursuant to NJSA 2C:39-4.1, which is the governing statute for possession of a weapon during the commission of a drug offense, it mandates that any sentence for a violation of this offense must be run consecutive to any sentence imposed for the underlying drug offense. In other words, the Defendant in the above referenced scenario is facing up to twenty years in prison for the drug offense and that sentence must be run consecutive to a potential ten year prison sentence on the gun offense, for a potential thirty year sentence. This is an extremely tough statute that requires unforgiving penalties if convicted.
Gun and Drugs Lawyer in Freehold, New Jersey
If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Monmouth County, the Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help. Our office is a Monmouth County based criminal defense firm that has been defending those accused of serious criminal offenses in courts throughout the County. If you would like to speak one of our criminal defense attorneys today about your options, please feel free to contact us at 732.858.6959 or you can try contacting us online. As always, our initial consultations are free of costs, so if you have any questions whatsoever, please do not hesitate to contact us.
For more information on this incident, please checkout nj.com’s article labeled 1 lb. of cocaine, $32K in cash seized in Long Branch drug bust.
