Cranford Teen Arrested Following Narcotics Investigation

On May 4, arrested Michael Flesher, 19, of Cranford, and charged him with distribution of marijuana and related charges in connection with an undercover operation spanning almost two months.

The investigation began in March 2012 when Det. John Swandrak received information indicating that Flesher was involved in the distribution of marijuana from his residence. Following a series of undercover and surveillance operations by Cranford detectives, Swandrak was able to corroborate the  initial tip and apply for a search Warrant for Flesher’s residence. The warrant was authorized by a Superior Court judge, and was carried out at 8:08 a.m. on May 4.

During the execution of the search warrant, members ofthe Cranford Police Detective Bureau recovered more than 11 ounces of suspected marijuana, assorted distribution related narcotics paraphernaiia, and more than $17,500 in cash. Flesher was charged with possession of marijuana - more than 50 grams - possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession with intent to distribute in a school zone and possession of narcotics paraphernalìa.

Cranford Police Chief Eric G. Mason was quick to acknowledge the thorough work involved in the  case.

“The Cranford Police Department has, and will continue to have, a zero tolerance approach to narcotics possession and distribution,” Mason said. “We will continue to expend every effort to eradicate this behavior from our neighborhoods.”

The chief noted that in this instance, the suspected narcotics  distribution was occurring in the Bloomingdale Avenue School zone.

Flesher was processed at police headquarters and released pending an arraignment in Superior Court on May 9.

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