$55K In Cocaine, PCP, Loaded Handgun Seized in Mercer: Prosecutor

Princeton NJ

24 March, 2022

1:07 PM

Description

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — Two people were arrested and $55,000 in cocaine, PCP and a loaded 9mm handgun were seized in Mercer County earlier this week, County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri said Thursday. Christopher Seabrook, 47, and Jorge Mercado-Torres, 28, of Philadelphia, were taken into custody and charged with first-degree narcotics offenses and second-degree weapons offenses. On Monday, as part of an ongoing investigation, the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force (MCNTF) received information that Seabrook would be traveling from Philadelphia to Trenton with a large quantity of narcotics, Onofri said. With assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations, MCNTF detectives initiated surveillance on Seabrook's home in Philadephia, PA, and at approximately 6:30 p.m., he was seen leaving his home and entering a gold Chevrolet Tahoe, Onofri said. The SUV then picked up Mercado-Torres in Russell Street, Philadelphia. They left the Philadelphia area and drove directly to Route 1 north and the Route 29 exit ramp in Trenton. Once on the exit ramp, detectives initiated a motor vehicle stop, Onofri said. During a search, detectives found 550 grams of cocaine, six ounces of PCP and a Luger 9mm handgun loaded with seven hollow-point bullets, all hidden in a space underneath the steering wheel column, authorities said. Seabrook had $819 in cash on him and Mercado-Torres had $353, Onofri said. The prosecutor's office has filed motions to detain both men pending trial. According to Onofri, the total street value of the cocaine is $55,000 and the approximate value of the PCP is $2,400. Thank you for reading. Have a correction or news tip? Email [email protected] Get breaking news alerts on your phone with our app. Download here. Sign up to get Patch emails so you don't miss out on local and statewide news.