2003 Media Releases:

CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE
VINCENT P. SARUBBI, CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR
MEDIA   INFORMATION

March 14, 2003

Camden County Prosecutor Vincent P. Sarubbi, Pennsauken Police Chief John Coffey, Cherry Hill Police Chief Brian Malloy and Acting New Jersey State Police Superintendent Joseph "Rick" Fuentes announced that a multi-agency investigation resulted in the seizure today of 156 marijuana plants in an apartment at the Cooper River Plaza high-rise in Pennsauken. A Cherry Hill man was arrested and charged with operating major marijuana growing facility.

The investigation was a cooperative effort of the Prosecutor's Office Suburban Narcotics Task Force, Pennsauken Police, Cherry Hill Police and the State Police Marijuana Eradication Unit.

Sarubbi further announced that the Prosecutor's Office Suburban Narcotics Task Force on Tuesday effectively dismantled a suburban-based Ecstasy and marijuana distribution network. Two principal participants of the organization were arrested. Seized were more than 100 Ecstasy pills, a quarter pound of high-potency marijuana, a semi-automatic handgun, and a late model vehicle.

Also confiscated was $28,000 in cash. The investigation is continuing and more arrests are expected. Further details are being withheld to preserve the integrity of the investigation

In addition, the prosecutor reported that the amount of cocaine seized in a previously-announced bust on Saturday, March 8 in Northeast Philadelphia has been determined to weigh 39 kilos and be worth an estimated $5.85 million on the street. That figure is an increase from the initial estimate of 30 kilos worth $4.5 million.

That seizure, and the arrest of six individuals including alleged drug kingpin Raymond Morales of Pennsauken, was the result of a cooperative effort among federal, state, county and local law enforcement agencies in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Sarubbi said the investigators are continuing to actively work the case and that he anticipates additional arrests.

Together, the arrests and seizures constitute the most successful week of narcotics enforcement in the history of the Camden County Prosecutor's Office, Sarubbi said, and highlight what can be accomplished when agencies work together.

"This week's successes send a strong message to those who would traffic in narcotics in this region: Law enforcement agencies on all levels are committed to finding you, dismantling your illegal operations and holding you accountable for your actions," Sarubbi said. "Whether in the cities or the suburbs, we will not ease up in our assault on the illegal drug trade because it degrades the quality of life for law-abiding citizens."

The investigation into marijuana being grown at the Cooper River Plaza apartment began with a citizen tip approximately three weeks ago. It culminated at approximately 12:30 a.m. today when officers executed a search warrant at a unit on the 10th floor of the east building. Officers found a sophisticated cultivation system that included specialized lights, irrigation hoses, fans, specialty soils and plant foods. Seized were 156 marijuana plants ranging in size from 5 inches to approximately 5 feet tall.

Investigators estimate that each plant, when full-grown, would yield approximately one pound of marijuana. Because of the marijuana's high potency, each pound is estimated to be worth $4,000 on the street, for a total estimated value of $624,000.

Information gathered from the Pennsauken raid led officers to arrest John E. Cliver, M/39, at his home in the 300 block of Lincoln Avenue in Cherry Hill at approximately 3:25 a.m. today. Cliver was charged with Maintaining or Operating a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility, Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute, Possession with Intent to Distribute within 1,000 Feet of a School (Bishop Eustace High School), and Possession with Intent to Distribute within 500 feet of a Public Park (Cooper River Park).

Cliver was also charged with possession of more than 50 grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia seized at the Lincoln Avenue home. In addition, he was charged with Resisting Arrest for allegedly struggling with officers when they took him into custody.

In addition, a female resident of the Lincoln Avenue home, Henri I. Pestcoe, 37, was charged with Possession of Over 50 grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

The investigation further indicates that Cliver rented the Pennsauken apartment solely for growing marijuana and that no one resided there.

The investigation further indicates that Cliver rented the Pennsauken apartment solely for growing marijuana and that no one resided there.

Cliver was lodged in the Camden County Correctional Facility in lieu of $95,000 bail, cash or bond. Pestcoe was sent to the jail on $1,500 bail.

Cliver faces up to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison if convicted. Pestcoe faces up to five years.

All persons charged with criminal offenses are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sarubbi added that many investigations start with citizen tips and urged anyone with pertinent information to call the Prosecutor's Office narcotics tip line at (856) 757-7222.