TRENTON, N.J. — A two-month investigation into alleged cocaine distribution in Trenton ended with two arrests and the seizure of approximately 160 grams of suspected cocaine and more than $36,000 in cash, according to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey said the investigation was conducted by the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, and police departments in Ewing, Hamilton, Robbinsville and Trenton.
Investigators executed multiple search warrants on Aug. 6 targeting 35-year-old Andrew Anderson, including his residence in Eastampton, a storage unit in Lawrence Township and two vehicles.
Search warrants uncover cash, cocaine and hidden compartment
Authorities said detectives, assisted by the Hamilton SWAT Team, Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Unit, Eastampton Township Police Department and Robbinsville Township Police K-9 Rudy, searched Anderson’s Patriots Way residence in Eastampton.
During the search, investigators seized approximately $32,000 in cash, assorted drug paraphernalia and three large digital scales. Anderson’s girlfriend, 26-year-old Aniyah Boone, was detained outside the residence without incident.
A separate search of a storage unit on Brunswick Pike in Lawrence Township allegedly uncovered items bearing Anderson’s name, 9mm live ammunition and additional drug paraphernalia.
Investigators later stopped Anderson while he was driving a Ford F-150 in Trenton. Prosecutors said K-9 Rudy alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the truck, leading detectives to discover a hidden compartment behind the vehicle’s infotainment system.
Inside the compartment, detectives allegedly recovered approximately 160 grams of suspected cocaine along with drug paraphernalia. Authorities also seized two digital scales and approximately $4,403 in cash from the vehicle.
According to Prosecutor Marbrey, the estimated street value of the seized cocaine is approximately $8,000.
Charges filed against two defendants
Anderson has been charged with first-degree narcotics offenses and money laundering. The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office has filed a motion seeking to keep him detained pending trial.
Boone was charged with second-degree narcotics offenses and money laundering. She was released pending future court proceedings.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The investigation highlights continued enforcement efforts targeting alleged narcotics trafficking in Mercer County. Authorities said the operation involved cooperation between local, county and federal law enforcement agencies, reflecting the regional approach often used in larger drug investigations.
Cocaine trafficking investigations frequently involve allegations of organized distribution networks, hidden compartments and large cash seizures. Prosecutors say removing illegal narcotics and suspected trafficking proceeds from circulation is intended to disrupt drug distribution and reduce related criminal activity in New Jersey communities.
FAQ
- Who was arrested?
- Andrew Anderson, 35, and Aniyah Boone, 26.
- What was seized?
- Approximately 160 grams of suspected cocaine, more than $36,000 in cash, digital scales, ammunition and alleged drug paraphernalia.
- Where were the searches conducted?
- At a residence in Eastampton, a storage unit in Lawrence Township and a vehicle stopped in Trenton.
- What charges does Anderson face?
- First-degree narcotics offenses and money laundering.
- What charges does Boone face?
- Second-degree narcotics offenses and money laundering.
- Is the investigation over?
- Prosecutors said the investigation remains ongoing.
Key Points
- Mercer County investigators arrested two people following a two-month cocaine trafficking investigation.
- Detectives seized approximately 160 grams of suspected cocaine and more than $36,000 in cash.
- Prosecutors charged Andrew Anderson with first-degree narcotics offenses and money laundering while Aniyah Boone faces second-degree charges.
