TRENTON, N.J. (PBN) A two-month investigation targeting cocaine distribution in Trenton has culminated in a significant breakthrough this week. Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported the successful operation, which led to the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of $70,000 worth of cocaine.
On April 29, 2024, members of the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force (MCNTF), in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, and the police departments of Ewing, Hamilton, and Trenton, executed a meticulously planned operation.
The focal point of the operation was Dayron Vaughn, a 48-year-old resident of Bristol, Pennsylvania. Authorities located Vaughn operating a motorcycle in the 400 block of West Hanover Street in Trenton around 4 p.m. A motor vehicle stop ensued, revealing Vaughn’s possession of approximately 10 grams of powder cocaine. Subsequently, Vaughn was taken into custody.
Simultaneously, the Mercer County Tactical Response Team aided the MCNTF in executing a search warrant at a residence in the 1300 block of Edgewood Avenue, a location linked to the ongoing investigation. Inside the residence, detectives discovered a substantial cache of cocaine stored in a black safe, totaling 700 grams. Additionally, the premises yielded a significant amount of drug paraphernalia, including digital scales and packaging materials, all indicative of a drug manufacturing facility.
Barry Coles, 56, was present during the search and was detained without incident. Both Vaughn and Coles faced numerous first-degree narcotics charges, including maintaining a drug manufacturing facility. They were promptly lodged in the Mercer County Correction Center, pending further legal proceedings.
Prosecutor Onofri emphasized the gravity of the situation, highlighting the approximate street value of the confiscated narcotics at $70,000. However, he reiterated that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
