Home search, arrest targets drug trade in Jersey City

Tuesday, November 25, 2008
By MICHAELANGELO CONTE
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

More than 300 grams of cocaine was seized and a Jersey City man was arrested earlier this month after a monthlong probe into narcotics activity in a Jersey City West Side neighborhood, officials said yesterday.

Reynaldo Morel, 41, of Culver and Mallory avenues, was arrested after the Nov. 12 search of his home, during which nearly three-quarters of a pound of cocaine was discovered, said Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio.
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Morel was charged with offenses including possession of more than five ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute, a charge that carries a possible sentence of up to 20 years in prison, DeFazio said.

The investigation began in October when the Prosecutor's Office's Municipal Task Force received information Morel was distributing cocaine in the area of Mallory and Culver avenues in Jersey City.

Morel's bail was set at $150,000 cash or bond, DeFazio said. It could not be determined last night if he has posted it.