“RICE AND COCAINE”

In September 2005, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force began receiving information that Dante Rice of South Plainfield was involved in the large scale distribution of cocaine.

A cooperative investigation began between the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Narcotics Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Perth Amboy, Carteret, and South Plainfield Police Departments. Through the use of surveillance and an undercover operative from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the law enforcement agencies were able to infiltrate Rice’s drug distribution network. The undercover agent was able to purchase various quantities of cocaine from Dante Rice during the investigation.

On December 14, 2005, Dante Rice was apprehended by law enforcement officers while in the process of distributing over one kilogram of cocaine to the federal undercover agent. In addition to the cocaine, $1,000.00 and a 2005 GMC Yukon was seized.

Search warrants were then executed at residences in South Plainfield and Carteret where another six and one-half ounces of cocaine, along with drug paraphernalia were seized.

The New Jersey Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association congratulates the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force and those other law enforcement agencies who participated in the cooperative investigation helping to clean up the Bay City. This successful operation is yet another example our combined federal, state, county, and local efforts to remove drug traffickers from wherever they pursue their trade, and to make the community a safer place.