CRANFORD — A six-week undercover narcotics investigation by detectives from the Cranford Police Department has resulted in the arrest of a local juvenile. The 17-year-old male was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of marijuana less than 50 grams.
Det. John Swandrak received information in early February that identified the teen as a potential distributor of marijuana. The ensuing investigation revealed that the target was selling illegal drugs from his residence on the north side Cranford. Following surveillance activities and undercover operations, Cranford detectives obtained and executed a search warrant on Thursday.
During the search warrant execution at the residence, police recovered multiple bags of suspected marijuana, narcotics related paraphernalia and over $100 in cash. The juvenile suspect was arrested without incident at the scene.
Cranford Police Chief James Wozniak has been a vocal proponent of aggressive narcotics enforcement and expanded public education programs. “Narcotics distribution is particularly disturbing when it involves a member of our community’s youth,” he stated. “We take this seriously and will spare no effort when it comes to protecting Cranford’s juveniles from the impacts of drug abuse.”
The teenager was released to the custody of his parents pending additional proceedings in Family Court.