TRENTON, N.J. — A two-month investigation into cocaine distribution in Trenton has resulted in the arrest of two people and the seizure of approximately 160 grams of cocaine and more than $36,000 in cash, according to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
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 the police departments in Ewing, Hamilton, Robbinsville and Trenton.
Investigators obtained search warrants for Andrew Anderson, 35, his residence on Patriots Way in Eastampton, a storage unit on Brunswick Pike in Lawrence Township, and two vehicles as part of the investigation.
On August 6, 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, executed the search warrant at Anderson’s home.
Authorities seized approximately $32,000 in cash, three large digital scales and assorted drug paraphernalia from the residence. Anderson’s girlfriend, 26-year-old Aniyah Boone, was detained outside the home without incident.
A search of Anderson’s storage unit in Lawrence Township uncovered items bearing his name, 9mm live ammunition and additional drug paraphernalia, investigators said.
Detectives later detained Anderson while he was driving a Ford F-150 in Trenton. Robbinsville Township Officer Ryan Meehan deployed K-9 Rudy, who alerted officers to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle.
Investigators located a hidden compartment behind the truck’s infotainment system containing approximately 160 grams of suspected cocaine and additional drug paraphernalia. Officers also recovered two digital scales and approximately $4,403 in cash from the vehicle.
Anderson was charged with first-degree narcotics offenses and money laundering. Prosecutors have filed a motion seeking to have him detained pending trial.
Boone was charged with second-degree narcotics offenses and money laundering. She was released pending future court proceedings.
Prosecutors estimated the street value of the seized cocaine at approximately $8,000.
- Mercer County Narcotics Task Force conducted a two-month investigation.
- Detectives seized approximately 160 grams of cocaine and more than $36,000 in cash.
- A hidden compartment was discovered inside a Ford F-150.
- Andrew Anderson faces first-degree drug charges and money laundering.
- Aniyah Boone faces second-degree narcotics and money laundering charges.
The investigation highlights how federal, county and local law enforcement agencies continue working together to target narcotics trafficking operations throughout Central New Jersey. Hidden vehicle compartments and storage units are commonly used by drug traffickers to conceal narcotics, cash and other evidence from investigators.
FAQ
Who was arrested?
Andrew Anderson, 35, of Eastampton, and Aniyah Boone, 26.
What was seized during the investigation?
Approximately 160 grams of suspected cocaine, more than $36,000 in cash, digital scales, drug paraphernalia and 9mm ammunition.
Where was the cocaine found?
Inside a hidden compartment located behind the infotainment system of Anderson’s Ford F-150.
What charges does Anderson face?
First-degree narcotics offenses and money laundering.
What charges does Boone face?
Second-degree narcotics offenses and money laundering.
Sources: Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office; Mercer County Narcotics Task Force
