A 43-year-old man faces multiple drug trafficking and assault charges after allegedly firing a gun during an argument and authorities discovered large quantities of narcotics at his home, according to the Torrance County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to a report of an altercation involving a firearm on Belgian Avenue in Moriarty at approximately 2:59 p.m. on Feb. 4, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.
The alleged victims told deputies the man had discharged a firearm during an argument, according to the release. Deputies arrested the suspect at the scene.
Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division obtained and executed a search warrant at the property, the sheriff’s office said. During the search, deputies seized eight firearms of various calibers, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, approximately 143 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 117 grams of cocaine and several ecstasy pills, according to the release.
Authorities also recovered scales and packaging material consistent with drug trafficking, as well as a substantial amount of U.S. currency, the sheriff’s office said.
The man was charged with three counts of trafficking controlled substances, three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, negligent use of a deadly weapon and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to the release.
Additional charges, including felon in possession of a firearm, are pending, the sheriff’s office said. The case remains under investigation.
