Police vehicle during investigation - File Photo

SECAUCUS, N.J. — A loaded handgun and a large quantity of illegal drugs were discovered inside an abandoned backpack at a Secaucus apartment complex on Wednesday, leading to the arrest of a resident in a significant police operation.

Key Points

Backpack with handgun, cocaine, and marijuana found at Xchange complex
Suspect arrested after investigation linked him to the abandoned items
Over $25,000 in cash and hundreds of pills seized from apartment and car

Backpack discovery sparks investigation

At approximately 1:11 p.m. on April 9, a maintenance worker at the Xchange complex on Riverside Station Boulevard reported finding a suspicious backpack near the 6000/8000 building. A police officer stationed at the on-site Secaucus Police Annex responded and discovered a Ruger .45 caliber handgun loaded with hollow point ammunition — including a round in the chamber — roughly ten ounces of suspected cocaine, and more than one pound of suspected marijuana.

The Secaucus Police Anti-Crime Unit took over the investigation, linking the backpack to a prior police response at 6000 Riverside Station Boulevard the previous day. Detectives determined that the resident of the apartment, Josaih C. Agbo, had discarded the backpack before officers arrived.

Arrest and apartment search yield more contraband

Agbo was taken into custody near his residence around 7 p.m. the same day by members of the Anti-Crime Unit and the Secaucus Police K-9 Unit. A court-authorized search of his apartment uncovered two ounces of suspected cocaine, approximately four pounds of suspected marijuana, 100 Xanax pills, over 200 Oxycodone pills, more than 80 Adderall pills, and $22,700 in cash. Two high-capacity handgun magazines and 45 suspected fraudulent credit cards were also seized.

Authorities say the seized items are believed to be linked to criminal activity, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Vehicle search uncovers more narcotics

In a separate court-authorized search of Agbo’s Chevrolet Malibu, detectives recovered more than $2,700 in cash, over 290 Oxycodone pills, and over 60 Adderall pills. Agbo faces multiple charges related to weapons possession, drug distribution, and potential financial fraud.

Secaucus Police Chief Dennis Miller said, “The proximity of our Police Annex at the Xchange complex allowed for an instantaneous response to this incident, but I am thankful that a child didn’t discover this loaded handgun first.”

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