Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey and
Metuchen Police Chief David Irizarry announced today that a Metuchen man has
been arrested on multiple firearm and drug charges following a search of his
residence.
Sagar Bhalla, 26, of New Street, Metuchen was arrested at his
home on January 30, 2018, and is
being held at the Middlesex County Adult Corrections Center pending a Detention
Hearing.
Pursuant
to an investigation by the Metuchen Police Department, detectives found three weapons,
including an AR-15 type rifle, a shotgun, and a handgun. In addition, police
seized over 14 pounds of marijuana in various forms, psychedelic mushrooms,
digit scales and other drug paraphernalia.
As
a result, Bhalla was charged with possession of a handgun, possession of a
shotgun, and possession of a rifle; all second degree crimes.
He
was also charged with possession of a controlled substance specifically
marijuana in the fourth degree, possession of a controlled substance specifically
psychedelic mushrooms in the third degree, possession with intent to distribute
marijuana in the second degree, and possession of drug paraphernalia a disorderly person offense.
In
addition, Bhalla was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, distribute,
or dispense a controlled dangerous substance specifically marijuana within 500
feet of the Metuchen Senior Center, a second degree offense.
The
investigation remains active and is continuing. Anyone with information is
asked to call Detective Joseph Keane of the Metuchen Police Department at (732)
632-8561.
As
is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Bhalla are merely
accusations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.