Narcotics Search Warrant Leads To Arrest Of Cranford Man

On May 23, 2014, Cranford Police arrested Patrick Ekstrom, Age 33, of Cranford, New Jersey, and charged him with Distribution of Marijuana, Distribution of Prescription Medications, and other related charges in connection with narcotics investigation that spanned over a month. 

The investigation began in April 2014 when Det. Spencer Durkin received information indicating that Ekstrom was involved in the distribution of various illegal drugs from his residence. 

Following a series of undercover and surveillance operations by Cranford detectives, Durkin was able to corroborate the initial tip and apply for a search warrant for Ekstrom’s residence.  The warrant was authorized by a Judge of the Superior Court, and was executed on May 23, 2014.

 During the execution of the search warrant, members of the Cranford Police Investigative Division recovered 21 vacuum sealed bags of suspected marijuana, 78 pills suspected to be Xanax, assorted distribution related narcotics paraphernalia, and $700 cash.  

Ekstrom was charged with Possession of Marijuana (over 50 grams), Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, Prescription of Legend Drugs with Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute in a School Zone and Possession of Narcotics Paraphernalia. 

Cranford Police Chief James Wozniak stressed his agency’s zero tolerance approach to drug dealing in the community.  “The Cranford Police Department will continue to aggressively approach narcotics enforcement,” he said.  “No effort will be spared in our mission to root out drugs and drug dealers from our neighborhoods.”

Ekstrom was processed at police headquarters and released pending an arraignment in Superior Court.