Three men were arrested in the Fords section of Woodbridge for drug distribution following a lengthy investigation.
WOODBRIDGE -- An investigation by the township police department's special investigations unit into drug distribution led to the arrest of three men, seizure of drugs and a loaded handgun Thursday, police said.
A weeks-long investigation included extensive surveillance of the three individuals -- Anthony Smith, 37, and Antony Vaughn, 36, both of the Fords section of Woodbridge and Tarlton Jesse O'Neil, 36, Perth Amboy, Woodbridge police said in a news release.
Detectives tried to arrest Smith and O'Neil "during a suspected drug transaction at a hotel in the Fords section of town" on Thursday, but they fled and a "lengthy foot chase ensued," police said. The two were ultimately caught and drugs were found, the statement said.
Immediately after the arrests, detectives went to a home on New Brunswick Avenue where they arrested Vaughn and conducted a search. Vaughn and Smith lived at the home.
"It should be noted that Smith was a wanted fugitive out of Virginia in reference to a shooting and a loaded handgun was recovered at the residence," police said in the news release.
About 10 grams of crack cocaine, more than 150 bags of heroin, pills, and marijuana, and a loaded 9mm handgun were found in the house.
Smith was charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled dangerous substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances, possession of controlled dangerous substances and resisting arrest.
Vaughn was charged with controlled dangerous substances offense with a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm for unlawful purposes, certain persons not to possess a firearm, possession of controlled dangerous substances with intent to distribute within 500 feet of public property, possession with intent to distribute, possession of controlled dangerous substances, endangering the welfare of children.
Bail for both men was set at $50,000 without the 10-percent option.
O'Neil was charged with possession of controlled dangerous substances, prescription legend drug offense and possession of marijuana. He was released on his own recognizance.
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