JACKSON – Three residents of Trenton are facing drug charges following their arrest at a shopping center in Jackson.
On Aug. 28, officers and detectives assigned to a directed enforcement detail received information regarding possible narcotics activity in the Jackson Premium Outlets at the corner of Route 537 and Route 571.
According to the Jackson Police Department, while officers were conducting surveillance in the area, they observed the suspect vehicle enter the parking lot and conducted a motor vehicle stop.
As the three male occupants of the vehicle were being secured, the officers observed the front seat passenger attempting to reach for his waistband before complying with their orders.
As the man was taken into custody, a Beretta M9 9mm handgun was recovered from the front of his waistband. The gun was secured and discovered to have a 15-round magazine which was fully loaded, according to police.
During a search of the vehicle, five bricks of heroin (in excess of 2 ounces) packaged for sale was recovered. The men were arrested and the 2005 Ford van they were in was impounded pending forfeiture proceedings, according to police.
Police said a 27-year-old male resident of Trenton was charged with possession of heroin and possession of heroin with intent to distribute.
Police said a second 27-year-old male resident of Trenton was charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin with intent to distribute and possession of a controlled dangerous substance while operating a motor vehicle.
Police said a 25-year-old male resident of Trenton was charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, possession of a weapon while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, possession of hollow point bullets and possession of a magazine capable of holding in excess of 10 rounds.
All three men were processed and initially placed in the Ocean County Jail, Toms River, according to police.