Drugs, Guns Found At Illegal Warehouse Party In South Jersey.: Cops

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, NJ — Police busted an illegal warehouse party where five people were charged with drug offenses and seized nearly 60 pounds of drugs and three handguns in Egg Harbor Township.

The "Open Mic Night" was being hosted in a warehouse in the Farmington section of town Friday night, police said.

At about 7 p.m., local police and the Atlantic County SWAT team shut down the party with a search warrant, police said.

Police recovered about 43 pounds of illicit marijuana and cannabis products, more than 14 pounds of psilocybin or "magic mushrooms" and three handguns, two of which had extended magazines and one that was reported stolen out of North Carolina.

"All products were packaged and labeled for distribution, inside a warehouse that had been set up as an illegal party venue; complete with a cover charge, live DJ, music entertainment and alcoholic beverages for sale," police said.

Charged were Michael Garofalo Jr, 20, of Jackson, NJ; Daegan Leithmann, 21, of Egg Harbor City, NJ; Jonathan Vega, 21, of Egg Harbor City, NJ; Brandon Moore, 22, of Jackson, NJ; and Melissa Martella, 30, of Egg Harbor Township, NJ. All five were charged with conspiracy, possession and distribution of controlled dangerous substances and lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility. Additional charges, including the weapons offenses, are pending further investigation, according to police.

"Substance abuse and proliferation of illegal firearms continue to pose significant threats in our society," police said. "The Egg Harbor Township Police Department remains steadfast in its mission to combat these dangers, working closely with stakeholders and lawmakers to create a safer environment for all."