A two-month investigation into cocaine distribution in Trenton has led to the arrest of a Brooklyn man and the seizure of cocaine worth an estimated $100,000
Paul Shirley, 51, was arrested June 4 following an investigation by the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force, with assistance from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and local police in Ewing, Hamilton and Trenton, said Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey.
At approximately 2:15 p.m., detectives observed Shirley operating a silver Toyota Camry bearing a New York registration in the area of Brunswick Avenue and Race Street in Trenton.
The officers initiated a motor vehicle stop and upon approaching the Camry, Sgt. Tom Paglione observed 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’s K-9 partner, Indy, conducted 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 discovered 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.
According to Marbrey, the total street value of the confiscated cocaine is $100,000.
