By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
LAWRENCE — A six-month-long investigation into a marijuana distribution operation in the township has resulted in the arrest of a 26-year-old Greenfield Avenue man, according to the Lawrence Township Police Department.
Michael Lester, 26, was arrested Wednesday and charged with multiple drug offenses, including possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana, possession of more than 5 grams of hashish and possession of drug paraphernalia, police said.
He was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana of more than 5 pounds and possession with intent to distribute marijuana within 500 feet of a public park, plus possession with intent to distribute hashish of more than 1 ounce and possession with intent to distribute hashish within 500 feet of a public park, police said.
Mr. Lester was arrested after he received a 22-pound package in the mail that contained more than 300 edible marijuana products that had a street value of about $9,000, police said. Detectives also uncovered more edible marijuana products, marijuana extracts, hashish and oils that belonged to him.
Detectives also found — and confiscated — packaging materials, scales, packing machines and a money counter, as well as more than $50,000 in cash, police said. Two vehicles were seized as suspected narcotics proceeds.
The lengthy investigation was led by the Lawrence Township Police Department’s Investigation Division, with the help of the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force. Detectives from the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hamilton Township and City of Trenton police departments participated in the operation.
Mr. Lester was released after posting $75,000 bail.
