Cocaine and Handguns Seized bythe Mercer County Narcotics Task Force

A three-month investigation into cocaine distribution in Trenton culminated recently with one arrest and the seizure of $10,500 in narcotics, two handguns and $3,986 in cash, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.

Juan Rivera, 34, of Trenton, was arrested on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, as a result of the investigation conducted by the members of the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hamilton Police Division.  A motor vehicle stop of Rivera in a silver Toyota Corolla was conducted by detectives in the area of Greenwood and Walnut avenues in Trenton.  Rivera was detained without incident and $3,986 in cash was seized from his person.  A subsequent search of Rivera’s Greenwood Avenue residence in Trenton resulted in the seizure of approximately 105 grams of cocaine and two handguns – a Smith and Wesson .38 special and a Phoenix Arms HP22A.

Rivera was charged with narcotics and weapons offenses.  The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain him pending trial. 

According to Prosecutor Onofri, the combined street value of the confiscated cocaine is approximately $10,500.

Despite having been charged, all persons are presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.