The search of a residence in Palmyra by the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday led to the seizure of approximately $100,000 worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of a Massachusetts man on drug trafficking charges.
Somerset County Sheriff Dale Lancaster said the residence on Madawaska Road in Palmyra was searched shortly before 9:30 a.m. on Thursday as the culmination of a months-long investigation into fentanyl and cocaine allegedly being sold to people in the area from the home.
Five detectives from the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Division, a drug detection K-9 named Kojo, and four patrol deputies were involved in the execution of the search warrant.
Sheriff Lancaster said that when law enforcement entered the residence, four people fled from the home on foot — all of whom were apprehended without incident following a shot foot chase.
One female resident of the home was transported to the hospital by ambulance to be treated for an injury that had been sustained prior to the search, Lancaster said.
While searching the Madawaska Road residence, about a kilogram (1000 grams) of cocaine was discovered, as well as a large amount of suspected fentanyl, a loaded 9mm pistol and over $2,7000 cash in suspected drug proceeds.
The serial number on the 9mm pistol was found to have been filed off.
Other drug-related paraphernalia, such as digital scales and documentation, was also seized during the search.
Arrested as a result of the search was 29-year-old Kasiem D. Smith of Worcester, Mass.
Smith was initially charged with aggravated trafficking in a scheduled W drug, criminal simulation (Class C — altered gun, serial number ground off) and possession of scheduled drugs.
His arraignment is set of Nov. 6, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. in the Somerset County Unified Court.
Lancaster said that more charges are expected against Smith, as well as against the other persons located at the residence, once the case is reviewed by the district attorney’s office.
0 Comments