TRENTON, N.J. – A two-month narcotics investigation in Hamilton Township ended with two arrests and the seizure of more than a kilogram of cocaine, four handguns, and tens of thousands of dollars in cash, prosecutors said Wednesday.
The Mercer County Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant earlier this month at a home on East Franklin Street in Hamilton.
Detectives arrested 42-year-old Hedtson Perez and later his girlfriend, 31-year-old Lisbeth Acevedo-Lara, on multiple first-degree narcotics and weapons charges.
Authorities said Perez was taken into custody on November 6 after officers secured the home with assistance from the Hamilton Police Division SWAT Team.
During the search, Sgt. Tom Paglione’s K-9 partner, Indy, detected narcotics in several areas of the residence, leading to the discovery of cocaine, firearms, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia throughout the house.
Investigators found 326 grams of cocaine in a second-floor bedroom along with a Beretta Model 92X handgun, an H&R Arms Co. Model 922 revolver, and assorted packaging materials.
Cocaine found in child’s room and basement stash
In the basement, detectives located about 800 grams of cocaine, a Springfield XD .45 caliber handgun, a suspected firearm suppressor, digital scales, and additional drug equipment. A Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 28mm handgun was discovered in a dresser drawer in a bedroom that appeared to belong to a child.
Detectives also recovered approximately $43,000 in cash and additional ammunition scattered across the home.
Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey said the street value of the cocaine totaled roughly $56,300.
Perez has been ordered held pending trial following a successful detention motion by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. Acevedo-Lara was arrested days later on the same charges.
Task force assisted by multiple agencies
The Mercer County Narcotics Task Force conducted the operation with support from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the police departments of Ewing, Hamilton, and Trenton.
Officials said the investigation focused on cocaine distribution within Hamilton Township and resulted in the dismantling of what they described as a mid-level supply operation.
Despite the arrests, prosecutors emphasized that both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Key Points
- Mercer County task force seized $56,000 in cocaine, four guns, and $43,000 in cash during Hamilton raid.
- Hedtson Perez and Lisbeth Acevedo-Lara face multiple first-degree narcotics and weapons charges.
- Cocaine and firearms were found in multiple areas of the home, including a child’s bedroom and basement.