$55K In Cocaine, PCP, Loaded Handgun Seized in Mercer: Prosecutor

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — Two people were arrested and $55,000 in cocaine, PCP and a loaded 9mm handgun were seized in Mercer County earlier this week, County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri said Thursday.

Christopher Seabrook, 47, and Jorge Mercado-Torres, 28, of Philadelphia, were taken into custody and charged with first-degree narcotics offenses and second-degree weapons offenses.

On Monday, as part of an ongoing investigation, the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force (MCNTF) received information that Seabrook would be traveling from Philadelphia to Trenton with a large quantity of narcotics, Onofri said.

With assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations, MCNTF detectives initiated surveillance on Seabrook’s home in Philadephia, PA, and at approximately 6:30 p.m., he was seen leaving his home and entering a gold Chevrolet Tahoe, Onofri said.

The SUV then picked up Mercado-Torres in Russell Street, Philadelphia. They left the Philadelphia area and drove directly to Route 1 north and the Route 29 exit ramp in Trenton. Once on the exit ramp, detectives initiated a motor vehicle stop, Onofri said.

During a search, detectives found 550 grams of cocaine, six ounces of PCP and a Luger 9mm handgun loaded with seven hollow-point bullets, all hidden in a space underneath the steering wheel column, authorities said.

Seabrook had $819 in cash on him and Mercado-Torres had $353, Onofri said. The prosecutor’s office has filed motions to detain both men pending trial.

According to Onofri, the total street value of the cocaine is $55,000 and the approximate value of the PCP is $2,400.

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