By: Richard L. Smith
Warren County Prosecutor James L. Pfeiffer has announced the arrest of Charlie L. Cole, 44, and Shakiera Armstrong, 31, both of Phillipsburg.
Their arrests come after an extensive investigation into narcotics trafficking within the town.
According to Warren County officials, on October 26, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at 205 Mercer Street, Phillipsburg, as part of the ongoing investigation.
During the search, authorities uncovered significant quantities of various controlled dangerous substances.
Among the seized items were approximately four pounds of methamphetamine, ten ounces of cocaine, forty-two bricks of heroin (equivalent to around 2,000 individual doses), and four and a half pounds of marijuana.
Alongside the controlled dangerous substances, officials said a loaded .40 caliber handgun and $14,000 in U.S. currency were also discovered.
The street value of the seized narcotics is estimated to be over $100,000.
Mr. Cole is alleged to be the leader of what authorities believe to be the largest narcotics trafficking network in Warren County.
This operation represents the most substantial seizure of illegal drugs linked to a single dealer within the county.
Both Mr. Cole and Ms. Armstrong face serious charges. Leading a Narcotics Trafficking Network carries a maximum potential sentence of life in prison.
First-degree charges can result in a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in New Jersey State Prison, while second-degree charges may lead to a maximum potential sentence of 10 years in New Jersey State Prison.
Third-degree crimes are punishable by up to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison.
The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the Warren County Prosecutor's Office Narcotics Task Force, Phillipsburg Police Department, New Jersey State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
It's important to note that the charges against Cole and Armstrong are allegations, and both are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
Currently, they are being held at the Warren County Jail pending a hearing.
