By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Mercer County announced that a monthlong investigation into cocaine distribution in Trenton culminated this week with three arrests and the seizure of $106,500 in narcotics and $6,151 in cash.
Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported that Andre Stlouis, 38, of Trenton, was arrested on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, as a result of the investigation conducted by the members of the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, the Hamilton Police Division and the Trenton Police Department.
According to officials, detectives conducted a motor vehicle stop of Stlouis in a black 2022 Honda Passport in the parking lot of the Riverside Apartment Complex on Riverside Drive in Trenton.
During the stop, officials stated, detectives interrupted an apparent narcotics transaction between Stlouis and Nichele Harris.
Both Stlouis and Harris were detained without incident, and one gram of crack cocaine was located on the front passenger floor of the vehicle, authorities say.
Officials say a further search of the vehicle revealed an additional five grams of crack cocaine, two pounds of marijuana, and $6,151 in cash.
Shortly after that, officials said, detectives with the Mercer County Tactical Response Team, assisted by the Trenton Police Department, executed a search warrant at Stlouis’ residence on Sanhican Drive in Trenton.
Officials stated a search of the residence resulted in the seizure of 562 grams of powder cocaine, approximately half a pound of methamphetamine, 78 grams of crack cocaine, and 23 pounds of marijuana.
Andre Stlouis, 38, was charged with multiple first-degree narcotics offenses and lodged in the Mercer County Correction Center, authorities say.
Harris, 53, of Trenton, was also charged with numerous narcotics offenses and lodged in the MCCC, officials said.
Officials say Ava Stlouis, 67, of Trenton, who was at the Sanhican home at the time of the search warrant execution, was charged with narcotics offenses and released pending future court appearances.
According to Prosecutor Onofri, the combined street value of the confiscated narcotics is approximately $106,500.
