Drug raid in cape may court house leads to cocaine, ecstasy and mushroom seizure, prosecutors say
Police at Crime Scene

Drug Raid in Cape May Court House Leads to Cocaine, Ecstasy and Mushroom Seizure, Prosecutors Say

Cape May Court House, NJ — A 41-year-old Cape May Court House man remains jailed after a multi-agency drug investigation led authorities to seize cocaine, ecstasy pills, psilocybin mushrooms, ammunition, and alleged drug distribution materials during a coordinated raid, according to the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office.

James A. Murray was arrested Friday following a narcotics investigation conducted by the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Gangs, Guns, and Narcotics Task Force. Prosecutors said the investigation focused on the alleged distribution of controlled dangerous substances within the community.

Authorities executed court-authorized search warrants at Murray’s residence, vehicle, and person with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Middle Township Police Department, and the Cape May County Regional SWAT Team.

Multiple Drug Charges Filed

According to Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Middle Township Police Chief Tracey Super, investigators seized distribution quantities of cocaine, MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, and psilocybin mushrooms during the searches.

Authorities also recovered .38-caliber handgun ammunition and various items of paraphernalia allegedly associated with drug distribution operations.

Murray now faces multiple felony-level charges, including possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute MDMA, and possession with intent to distribute psilocybin mushrooms. He was also charged with possession of each of those substances.


Key Points

• Cape May County authorities arrested a 41-year-old man following a drug distribution investigation.
• Investigators seized cocaine, ecstasy pills, psilocybin mushrooms, ammunition, and alleged drug paraphernalia.
• The suspect remains held at the Cape May County Correctional Facility pending court proceedings.


Multi-Agency Operation Targets Alleged Drug Distribution

The investigation culminated on May 29 when members of the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Gangs, Guns, and Narcotics Task Force carried out search warrants in coordination with federal, county, and local law enforcement agencies.

In addition to the drug-related offenses, Murray was charged with Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons or Ammunition, a fourth-degree crime, and Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia, another fourth-degree offense.

Officials did not disclose the quantities of narcotics seized or provide additional details about the investigation that led to the warrants.

The Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office said Murray was processed following his arrest and transported to the Cape May County Correctional Facility.

Prosecutor Vows Continued Enforcement Efforts

Murray remains in custody pending future court proceedings.

Under New Jersey law, individuals convicted of third-degree crimes face potential prison sentences ranging from three to five years.

Prosecutor Sutherland said his office will continue working alongside federal, state, and local partners to combat illegal drug distribution and unlawful weapons possession throughout Cape May County.

“Prosecutor Sutherland stated his office will continue to work hand in hand with Federal and State partners along with the local municipalities to target anyone selling illegal, controlled, dangerous substances as well as the illegal possession of firearms,” the prosecutor’s office said in a release.

Community Asked to Report Criminal Activity

The investigation highlights ongoing efforts by local and federal authorities to disrupt narcotics distribution networks operating within Cape May County.

Officials encouraged residents to report information related to suspected criminal activity. The Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office accepts tips through its office and anonymous submissions through its online reporting platform.

As the case moves through the court system, prosecutors have not released additional information regarding potential co-defendants or whether the investigation remains active.

Murray remains lodged at the Cape May County Correctional Facility, and the charges against him are pending further court proceedings.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.