A heroin mill that was operating in a Trenton salon was shut down by the Trenton Police Department in early October. The raid was the conclusion of an investigation that lasted seven months, according to a report in The Trentonian.The target of the investigation was 53-year-old Ruben Stouth, who police apprehended on Thursday, September 27, after observing him selling drugs on Spring Street in Trenton, NJ. The salon that was part of the investigation was also located on Spring Street. After arresting Stouth, police raided the Dominican Salon and Barber Shop, which is located at 215 Spring Street. During the raid, police allegedly discovered a heroin production facility, as well as a drug packaging facility. The officers who raided the salon reportedly confiscated 40 bricks of heroin, five grams of raw heroin, more than $1,200 in cash, a loaded .38 revolver, drug ledgers, more than 175 pills of tramadol, stamp pads, stamps, rubber bands, tape, empty glassine bags, and other items used to package drugs.After the raid on the salon, authorities searched Stouth’s home on New York Avenue in Trenton, New Jersey. A metal drug press and a Colt .45 handgun were both found during the search of the residence. Stouth’s BMW was also searched by law enforcement, reportedly leading to the discovery of two bundles of heroin in the trunk. According to prosecutors, authorities found nine and a half pills of OxyContin on Stouth’s person when he was arrested, along with $883 in cash. A second person was arrested in connection with the case. The second suspect has been identified as 48-year-old Robert Alicea, who lives in the residence attached to the salon. Alicea was charged with multiple drug offenses and subsequently released pending court proceedings in the future. Stouth was hit with multiple drug charges and weapons charges. Prosecutors requested that the court hold Stouth until trial. The drugs allegedly confiscated in the raids have a street value totaling more than $11,300.
What to Do If Facing Drug Charges in Trenton, NJ
Facing drug charges can be complicated. You likely don’t know what to do once charged, especially if this is a first-time offense. The first thing you need to do charged with a drug crime in New Jersey is to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. It is important to work with an attorney who has experience defending clients against drug crime charges. It is best to avoid being assigned a public defender in cases involving drugs because the penalties are so severe.The next thing you need to be wary of is saying anything to the arresting officer. Do not make any comments or statements that could harm you in a court of law. You have a Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. Once read your rights, you are allowed to refuse to answer any questions without your attorney present.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Trenton Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Being charged with a drug crime is frightening. You might not know what will come next, or if you will ever get the chance to live a free life again. It is imperative that you speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney when facing such a charge in Hamilton, Trenton, Ewing, Lawrence, or anywhere else in Mercer County, New Jersey. Contact the Davis Law Firm today by calling 609-587-9100 or emailing to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office located at 2653 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619.The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.