February 19, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Narcotics Task Force concluded a month-long investigation on Tuesday with the seizure of more than $8,000 in drugs, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.

Onofri stated that, on Monday evening, February 18, 2020, detectives with the MCNTF executed a search warrant at a residence in the 100 block of Genesee Street utilized by the target of the investigation, Juan Marrero.  After numerous attempts to gain entry to the residence made difficult by a fortified entrance, detectives secured the house.  Mercer County Prosecutor’s Sergeant Joe Angarone utilized his K9 partner Bela to conduct a narcotics search.  During the search, detectives located 40 grams of cocaine, 21 bags of heroin, 20 oxycodone pills, six milligrams of promethazine, a .45 caliber handgun, a cocaine press and $950 in cash.

Onofri stated that the total amount of cocaine seized has an approximate street value of $4,100.  The heroin, oxycodone and promethazine have approximate street values of $4,000, $600 and $120, respectively.

Marrero, 34, was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree narcotics offenses, possession of a stolen firearm, unlawful possession of a weapon, and unlawful fortification of a structure while manufacturing a controlled dangerous substance.  He is being held at the Mercer County Correction Center pending a detention hearing.

Officers with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Hamilton Police Division, under the command of the prosecutor’s Special Investigations Unit, assisted with the investigation.

Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

•