Bergen County authorities reported the arrest of Mervin Menier, 50, of Union City, on drug and weapon offenses on October 18.
Authorities say the arrest results from an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office under the direction of Chief Jason Love and by the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Narcotic Task Force.
It revealed that Mervin Menier was transporting bulk narcotics shipments through Bergen County.
During this investigation, a search was conducted on his vehicle in Carlstadt revealed a sophisticated, electronically operated hidden compartment that was discovered in the rear floor of Menier's vehicle and which contained an AK-47 style assault rifle, multiple high-capacity magazines for the assault rifle, numerous boxes of ammunition, and approximately one-half kilo of cocaine, officials say.
Menier was arrested at the scene of the search and was charged with first-degree possession of over 5 ounces of cocaine with the intent to distribute; second-degree possession of an assault rifle; second-degree possession of a firearm during a CDS offense; second-degree certain persons not to have weapons; and fourth-degree possession of high capacity magazines.
He was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending his first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack.
Prosecutor Mark Musella states that the charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
He would also like to thank Homeland Security Investigations – Newark Division, the Bayonne Police Department, and the Union City Police Department for cooperating and assisting with this investigation.