Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey and Metuchen Police Chief David Irizarry announced today that a Metuchen man has been arrested on multiple firearm and drug charges following a search of his residence.
Police arrested Sagar Bhalla, 26, of Metuchen, at his home on January 30th, and is being held at the Middlesex County Adult Corrections Center pending a Detention Hearing.
Pursuant to an investigation by the Metuchen Police Department, detectives found three weapons, including an AR-15 type rifle, a shotgun, and a handgun. In addition, police seized over 14 pounds of marijuana in various forms, psychedelic mushrooms, digit scales and other drug paraphernalia.
As a result, Bhalla was charged with possession of a handgun, possession of a shotgun, and possession of a rifle; all second degree crimes.
In addition, authorities charged him with possession of a controlled substance specifically marijuana in the fourth degree, possession of a controlled substance specifically psychedelic mushrooms in the third degree, possession with intent to distribute marijuana in the second degree, possession of drug paraphernalia a disorderly person offense and possession with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense a controlled dangerous substance specifically marijuana within 500 feet of the Metuchen Senior Center, a second degree offense.
The investigation remains active and is continuing.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Joseph Keane of the Metuchen Police Department at (732) 632-8561.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Bhalla are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.