By: Richard L. Smith
A month-long investigation into a cocaine distribution ring in Hamilton Township has led to the arrest of a local man and the seizure of over $1.1 million in drugs, five firearms, and $65,000 in cash, according to Acting Mercer County Prosecutor Theresa L. Hilton.
James Nalbone Jr., 35, of Hamilton, was arrested on August 7, 2024, following an extensive investigation by the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration and local police departments from Ewing, Hamilton, and Trenton.
Nalbone was detained without incident at his Byron Avenue residence, where detectives executed a search warrant.
With the help of Sgt. Tom Paglione's K-9 partner, Indy, police discovered significant quantities of drugs and firearms inside the home.
Authorities seized six kilograms of suspected cocaine, 130 pounds of marijuana, 2,000 oxycodone pills, three handguns, a defaced ghost gun, and approximately $65,000 in cash.
Additionally, drug paraphernalia such as scales, packaging materials, and hydraulic presses used to compress cocaine into distribution-ready kilograms were confiscated.
Further investigation led detectives to search Nalbone's vehicle, where they found another handgun.
Paperwork in the car indicated that Nalbone had rented a storage unit nearby. K-9 units again provided positive signals at the storage facility on Quakerbridge Road in Hamilton, leading detectives to obtain another search warrant.
Inside, they discovered an additional 12 kilograms of cocaine, 20 pounds of marijuana, and a large quantity of edible marijuana.
Nalbone now faces 18 charges related to narcotics and weapons offenses, along with one count of money laundering. Prosecutors have filed a motion to detain him until trial.
According to Acting Prosecutor Hilton, the total street value of the seized drugs is estimated at $1,102,500, including $630,000 worth of cocaine, $450,000 worth of marijuana, and $22,500 worth of oxycodone.