Township police were among law enforcement agencies assisting the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit in an investigation resulting in two arrests and the seizure over $15,000 in vari
HAMILTON Township police were among law enforcement agencies assisting the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit in an investigation resulting in two arrests and the seizure over $15,000 in various narcotics.
According to a prosecutor’s office press release, the SIU in addition to Mercer County Sheriff’s Officers, State Police and officers from Hamilton, Lawerence, Ewing and Trenton police departments executed multiple search warrants May 30 in Trenton.
As a result, investigators arrested Melvin Rivera, 31, at 1007 Indiana Ave. after a search of the residence revealed 50 grams of powder cocaine in a coffee can, marijuana, $483 in cash, 38 decks of heroin and drug paraphernalia, per the release.
In addition to narcotics, authorities also located a Ruger SR .22 caliber rifle, a Saiga AK 47-style assault rifle, a Century Arms assault rifle, three high capacity magazines, ammunition of various calibers and a black ski mask in a canvas bag located in the basement.
In addition, a fully loaded .32 caliber revolver was also found under a mattress in the bedroom.
Officers also searched a storage facility unit of Mr. Rivera’s and seized a Honda motorcycle and an East Coast ATV as drug proceeds.
Meanwhile at 79 Chase Street, officers took 39-year-old Javier Caquias into custody after a search revealed seven marijuana plants were located in the backyard.
Inside of the residence, marijuana and digital scales were found, along with a shotgun and approximately $446 in cash. A search of Mr. Caquias himself revealed $449 and two small bags of cocaine.
Lt. Mike Novembre of the SIU estimated the approximate street value of the powder cocaine, marijuana, marijuana plants and heroin is $5,000, $4,500, $7,500 and $380, respectively.
Mr. Rivera was charged with numerous narcotic sand weapons offenses, as well as possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set in the amount of $250,000.
Mr. Caquias was charged with cocaine possession, marijuana possession, marijuana possession with the intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released without bail pending a court date.
Both of the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

