June 22, 2000

HAMILTON DRUG INTERDICTION SCORES ECSTASY

Trenton--   An undercover investigation conducted by the Special Investigations Unit of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office has resulted in the seizure, at the Hamilton Township Train Station, of approximately 2,000 “Ecstasy” tablets destined for distribution in Mercer County as well as a semi-automatic handgun, Prosecutor Daniel G. Giaquinto announced today. 

“This case graphically illustrates the alarming amount of Ecstasy destined for our suburbs.  The quantity seized and the reality that it only constitutes a third degree offense underscores the need for legislation which increases the penalties for possession and distribution of Ecstasy,” Giaquinto noted.           

            According to Giaquinto, members of the Special Investigations Unit developed information that a substantial quantity of methylenedioxmethamphetamine (MDMA), better known as Ecstasy, would be transported into Mercer County from New York City by train, Giaquinto said.  

 As a result of the investigation, officers were able to determine that the Ecstasy tablets would be arriving at the Hamilton Township Train Station.  Officers arranged for a drug interdiction at the train station of the two individuals identified during the course of their investigation.  At approximately 7:30 p.m. last evening, members of the SIU, Hamilton Township Narcotics and Vice Unit and the West Windsor Police Department stopped the suspects, Anthony N. Fusco, age 20, of 19^th Avenue in Brooklyn and Anthony Castagno, also age 20, of Bay 48^th Street in Brooklyn, as they exited a New Jersey Transit train.

            During the interdiction, officers discovered a fully loaded .25 caliber semi-automatic handgun concealed in Fusco’s waistband.  Officers then obtained a search warrant for a plastic shopping bag that Fusco was carrying.  The search of the plastic bag revealed that Mr. Fusco was in possession of approximately 2,000 Ecstasy tablets.  A majority of the tablets were embossed with the “Mitsubishi” insignia while others were in the shape of a cross, revealed Lt. Al Paglione, commander of the SIU.  The street value of the seized tablets is approximately $60,000. 

            “The seizure of the weapon once again demonstrates the connection between illegal firearms, the potential for violence and the illicit drug trade, “ commented Prosecutor Giaquinto. 

            Prosecutor Giaquinto indicated that Fusco has been charged with possession of C.D.S. (3^rd degree), possession of C.D.S. with the intent to distribute (3^rd degree) and possession of a firearm while committing a drug-related offense (2^nd degree).  The firearm charge carries a term of incarceration between 5 and 10 years while the C.D.S. offenses only carry a term of incarceration between 3 and 5 years.           

            Ecstasy is a designer drug which acts simultaneously as a stimulant and a hallucinogen by stimulating the central nervous system and producing a hallucinogenic effect.  The drug is popular among young adults and adolescents who frequent the club scene and attend “raves”.  The drug produces psychological effects such as confusion, depression, anxiety and paranoia as well as the physical effects of increased heart rate and blood pressure, muscle tension and faintness.