MANVILLE: Task force bust nabs Main Street resident

by Audrey Levine, Staff Writer
   A South Main Street resident was charged Friday with cocaine possession and other charges, resulting from a two-month narcotics investigation by the Somerset County prosecutor’s office.
   Duane Bell, 33, was taken into custody in Somerville and charged with second-degree possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute and fourth-degree hindering apprehension, in addition to charges of obstructing justice and possession of a prescription drug after members of the Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force received information during a narcotics investigation that he had cocaine.
   The task force members set up surveillance near West End Avenue in Somerville and attempted to stop Mr. Bell, who ignored the emergency lights and siren, according to Somerset County Prosecutor Wayne Forrest.
   Mr. Forrest said Mr. Bell was later stopped on Union Street, and taken into custody after he refused to comply with the officers.
   At the Somerville Police Department, Mr. Forrest said, police found 23 individually wrapped bags of cocaine inside a larger bag, and concealed on Mr. Bell’s person. In his pants pocket, police found $313 and half a prescription pill.
   The seized cocaine is valued at $800, Mr. Forrest said.
   Mr. Bell was transported to Somerset County Jail with bail set at $75,000 cash or bond, and has since been released.