Police: 30 suspected marijuana plants, 8 guns recovered in Secaucus home

30 suspected marijuana plants and eight guns, including an “assault firearm,” were recovered from an apartment at the Harmon Cove Towers in Secaucus over the weekend, police said.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

Adrian C. Taylor II, 36 and Ravenojoy Leigertwood, 36, both of Secaucus, were hit with a multitude of charges including maintaining a controlled dangerous substance production facility, possession with intent to distribute, possession of firearms while committing a controlled dangerous substance offense, possession of an assault firearm and possession of a defaced firearm, according to Police Capt. Dennis Miller.

Additionally, both were charged with endangering the welfare of a child, since the loaded handguns and the marijuana grow were accessible to a child, authorities said.

On Saturday June 25, members of the Secaucus Police Department conducted a search of 1701 Harmon Cove Towers and dismantled a sophisticated marijuana growing operation where a cache of firearms, including an “assault firearm,” were seized, officials said.

During a search of the residence over thirty suspected marijuana plants, which were being grown hydroponically, were seized within the residence. One bedroom of the unit was turned into a growing room where the suspected marijuana plants where brought through the various stages of the growing process for cultivation, police said.

During a further search of the residence numerous loaded handguns, were also seized. One of the weapons was a MAC 11 9 mm, characterized as an “assault firearm” by officials.

The handguns consisted of a Ruger .40 caliber defaced handgun, MP .25 caliber handgun, two Bersa .380 caliber handguns, Glock 17 9mm handgun, Stallard Arms 9mm handgun and a Lorcin .380 caliber handgun, authorities said.

“The safety of the residents of Secaucus and diligent follow up to complaints received are a priority for the Secaucus Police Department. We will continue to investigate and inhibit any drug distribution operation within the town,” Police Chief Kevin Flaherty said in a statement.

Additionally, Flaherty thanked the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this investigation.

The investigation is still ongoing and is being worked in collaboration with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office under the auspices of Prosecutor Esther Suarez.

Anyone with additional information on Adrian C. Taylor II or Ravenojoy Leigertwood can contact the Secaucus Police Detective Division at (201) 330-2052 or detectivedivsion@secaucus.net, where all communications will be kept confidential.