The police search of a fortified Fort Lee, New Jersey apartment on Thursday, January 2nd, resulted in the seizure of narcotics, weapons, and ammunition. The occupant of the residence is now facing charges for multiple drug and weapons-related offenses, in addition to money laundering.
According to Keith Bendul, Chief of the Fort Lee Police Department, detectives from the anti-crime/narcotics unit coordinated with other agencies during the search. The apartment, which is located at 420 Fairview Ave in Fort Lee, was secured with locks and steel bars, while surveillance cameras monitored the premises.
Following the search, officials reported the discovery of over 30 firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, portable compressed gas tanks, as well as cocaine, marijuana, marijuana wax, MDMA in the form of “molly,” and prescription drugs. Among the firearms were handguns, rifles, and high-capacity assault weapons. Detectives also seized explosives from the garage after a bomb squad examination.
Authorities subsequently charged Onn Rapeika, from Alpine, New Jersey with a multitude of drug and weapons crimes. Rapeika was released after meeting his bail of $100,000.
If convicted of the crimes for which he has been charged, Rapeika can expect certain penalties for the drug-related offenses, others for the weapons offenses, and additional penalties governed under New Jersey’s Drugs and Guns Law.
N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4.1 governs crimes involving weapons and controlled dangerous substances. An offense under this statute occurs when the defendant is found guilty of possessing a weapon while in the course of committing a drug-related offense of among those specified. Violations of this statute are considered crimes of the second degree, which are punishable by a term of incarceration ranging from 5 to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison.
Clearly, Mr. Rapeika’s alleged offenses are associated with significant penalties, which are compounded by the simultaneous nature of the charges that he is facing.
For more information pertaining to this case, access the following article: Police seize drugs, assault weapons from fortified Fort Lee apartment
